If you are thinking of installing a new air conditioner, make sure you do not make the same mistakes many people make while installing the system.
Here we have mentioned some common mistakes people do while installing an air conditioner and how to avoid making those mistakes:
Jump to:
- 1. Choosing the wrong AC Size
- 2. Installing the thermostat in the wrong place
- 3. Placing the condenser in the wrong place
- 4. Not providing the condenser with enough clearance
- 5. Choosing the wrong spot for the vents
- 6. Having a poor drainage system
- 7. Sealing the ductwork
- 8. Adding too much refrigerant
- Wrap Up
1. Choosing the wrong AC Size
One of the most common mistakes people often make is selecting the wrong size of the air conditioner while purchasing one. It may not seem important, but choosing the right size of the air conditioner is very critical, and failing to do so can have fairly large consequences. Some even lead to malfunctioning of the air conditioner or issues with energy efficiency.
If you choose an air conditioner that is too small for your home, it will result in overwork and need frequent repair. On the other hand, choosing an air conditioner too big will result in short cycling. Both result in unnecessary wear and tear to the unit. So make sure to purchase the right size air conditioner for your house.
2. Installing the thermostat in the wrong place
Most people do not realize that the location of the thermostat plays a major role in the functioning of your HVAC system, and it is one of the common mistakes people make while installing an air conditioner.
How does it affect functioning? Well, if the thermostat is placed too close to the vents, the AC ends up working harder than it has to and the system consumes more energy and can directly affect the cooling.
Make sure to install the thermostat in a spot far away from the air vents where the sun rays are not directly exposed. The more regulated the temperature of the thermostat is, the more precisely will your unit function.
3. Placing the condenser in the wrong place
Just like the placement of the thermostat, the placement of the condenser is vital. The lifespan of your air conditioner can increase if your condenser works efficiently.
Install your condenser in a place with plenty of shade. The more it stays away from sunlight, the better it functions. Also, make sure to have proper maintenance of your condenser to reduce strain from your unit.
4. Not providing the condenser with enough clearance
For proper functioning of your air conditioner, you must place the condenser at least 2 feet of clearance on each side. Without enough clearance, it will struggle to intake air and that will put a strain on it resulting in overuse of energy and possible damage to the unit.
5. Choosing the wrong spot for the vents
The location of your vents is vital to the functionality of your air conditioner and many people tend to make this mistake. Placing them in the wrong place will make it a struggle for the airflow to be adequate.
You can avoid that by spreading the vents evenly throughout your house. Make sure they are placed in locations where they can’t be covered up easily.
6. Having a poor drainage system
The air conditioner produces a fairly substantial amount of moisture which needs to be filtered out properly otherwise it can damage everything in its reach leading to the growth of molds and mildews.
Always contact a professional to install your drainage system so that everything is placed right avoiding problems in the future. Also, get the professionals to inspect the drainage system in a couple of weeks from installation to check if it is functioning properly.
7. Sealing the ductwork
One of the things during the installation process that is commonly looked over is checking the ductwork. If there are any cracks on the ducts then the air will seep out through them, and it affects the efficiency of the air conditioner.
Make sure there are no cracks in your duct, if you find any, properly seal them with a permanent sealer. Also, get a professional to inspect your ducts to ensure it is secured properly.
8. Adding too much refrigerant
As you know if your air conditioner runs on low refrigerant, it affects the functioning of the unit. Similarly, while installing the air conditioner it is not advised to add too much refrigerant.
When you are adding the refrigerant, make sure to follow the guidelines. If you add too much refrigerant, it can ruin your entire air conditioner. Always try to get a professional to do it to ensure your air conditioner doesn’t have too much refrigerant.
Wrap Up
Always remember the above-listed things while installing an air conditioner. A little crack in the ducts, too much refrigerant, or even getting the wrong size of the air conditioner will affect the functionality of the unit and lead to wear and tear in the system.
Try to avoid these installation mistakes while getting a new air conditioner and always get a professional to have a look and make sure the installation process is done correctly.
