Using the existing power supply from the electrical panel inside the home, the installer will mount a new service disconnect box.
The disconnect is mounted securely to the side of the house using appropriate fasteners, based on the type of surface it is being mounted to. There are two main types of disconnect boxes. One is fused and the other is non-fused. They are both appropriate to use outdoors. A fused disconnect allows the proper overcurrent protection required by the manufacturer. This type is most common and required when the main circuit from the panel exceeds the maximum required overcurrent protection.
It also allows for additional safety to the air conditioner condenser. A non-fused disconnect may be used only in cases where the breaker matches identically to the manufactures listed maximum overcurrent protection. There is a minimum and a maximum required overcurrent protection. You must be within these guidelines.
The system will not pass the code requirements if they are not. For example, if you have an existing amp circuit that supplies the disconnect, but the listed overcurrent protection is only 30 amps, you must use the fused disconnect and install amp fuses with it to properly protect the air conditioning condenser. If the amperage from the breaker matches the maximum or the minimum overcurrent protection, a non-fused disconnect is acceptable. The service disconnect has specific locations for the high voltage circuit from the panel to be connected and specific locations for the power to get to the air conditioner itself through the electrical whip.
This allows the pull inside the service disconnect to break or disconnect the power supply to the air conditioner without having to shut the breaker off from the main panel. Because the air conditioner is outside, it would be cumbersome to run in and out of the house to turn the power on or off in case of emergency or servicing.
The service disconnect is required by state and local code requirements. There are also requirements for placement of the air conditioning condenser.
It boils down to making sure there is proper accessibility. The low-voltage control wire is connected directly into the air conditioning condenser at the proper locations according to the air conditioning condenser installation instructions. The low-voltage control wire is what allows the air conditioner to cycle according to the parameters set regarding temperature and humidity inside the home. The low voltage wiring is connected to the control board inside the furnace on designated terminals.
The moisture removed from the home during the cooling process travels down a plastic PVC pipe. It must be connected to the primary side of the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil has a primary and a secondary drain location. The primary condensate drain line will travel from the indoor evaporator coil to an appropriate floor drain or condensation pump.
A condensation pump is used where a proper floor drain does not exist in the home. There are also other reasons where a condensate pump is required or is beneficial to install. The important thing to remember if a condensate pump is used is that it must be serviced a minimum of twice a year to maintain proper performance.
Any condensate tubing or piping should be secured and glued with the proper cement. A trap and an overflow safety switch must also be installed in the condensate system. This is to protect the equipment and the area from flooding due to a restriction.
The safety overflow switch is connected to the secondary port on the indoor evaporator coil and wired into the furnace control to shut down the system when it is tripped.
The startup and commissioning testing process is done after the system is completely installed and ready to operate. The system is turned on and must run for minutes. This will allow the refrigerant to flow through the system and start the air conditioning process.
A temperature above 75 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended in most cases. This allows the components in the air conditioning system to be in full operation to allow maximum cooling potential during charging. Sometimes running the furnace to heat the house is a common practice to provide the necessary load on the home. After minutes of operation, the system can now be commissioned. A good installer will check the thermostat operation, system sequence of operation, and multiple other areas.
While the system is operating, the following data is important to collect to ensure proper operation within manufacturers' specifications:. This is the basic list of the proper data that should be known and recorded.
This is the only way to know for sure how the system is operating and if it is within manufacturing specifications. If any of these do not fall within manufacturer specifications, your system may not be warrantied by the manufacturer. Commissioning is important for several reasons. For you, the peace of mind that you are receiving a properly set up and adjusted system for maximum comfort, efficiency, and dependability.
It also ensures the manufacturer's warranty will be in full effect. The benefit to the company installing the system is that it gives a baseline of operational performance in case any issues arise later. It also gives the installing team confidence that before they leave, your system is in perfect operation. It is very common for systems to be installed and started up without much consideration for proper commissioning. Unfortunately, many companies turn it on and walk away the moment cold air is coming through the vents.
Proper commissioning is a specific process that requires training and special equipment to perform the process correctly. It also requires additional time and labor on a job site.
Commissioning is the only way to know for sure exactly how well your system is operating. Why would a company skip this step, then? In a word: cost. Skipping this process costs a company less, which in turn might lower your initial investment slightly. This is a long-term gamble, though, with your money, your safety, and your comfort.
A good HVAC contractor will have trained installation teams that will properly commission your air conditioner before they leave the job. The cleanup process is comparatively simple. All material and old equipment should be loaded up and taken away from the home. The floor protection should be rolled up last, keeping all debris from the installation inside the drop cloth and out of your home. All areas should be swept and free of any materials or debris.
You should expect to see the area in the same condition in which it was found. A walkthrough of what was done during the installation should be completed with you. Going over safety, maintenance, warranty, and all special instructions are expected. As a final mechanical step, a locking cap should be placed on the outdoor portion of the unit. This cap can only be unlocked with the correct key. This is to prevent tampering with your equipment, and also to prevent theft of the refrigerant.
This cap is often a specific color, which will let a technician know which type of refrigerant your system uses. A visual inspection of the work completed should also be offered. Finally, a review of the commissioning and thermostat operation. After the final walkthrough, final signatures and payments are collected. The process may seem long and complicated, but in the hands of a skilled installation team, the entire process should be second nature. Your money and comfort are at risk if any of these steps are skipped.
Knowing the full process will allow you to hold companies accountable when you decide to invest in a new air conditioning system. The result will be a comfortable, efficient, long-lasting product.
Are you looking for a good HVAC company to install your new air conditioner system? We hope this article has given you some tools to assist in selecting one that meets your needs.
We believe in doing something right the first time. Your HVAC pro will advise you as to other considerations needed for your new air conditioner to work optimally. Once you have your quotes in hand, compare them for price and what they offer. Check into warranty terms, for both equipment and labor.
They may want to meet with you again or schedule a time for a sales representative to come pick up your contract. Your contractor may order the central air conditioner from a supplier first before scheduling specific installation dates. Of course, the actual steps may vary among contractors. Buying a new central air conditioner is a major investment.
Contracting, trade, design and maintenance businesses rely on the Unit Cost method for transparency, accuracy and fair profits. Explore the full range of energy efficient air conditioner new installation labor options and material prices here. These estimates are NOT substitutes for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for accurate assessments of work required and costs for your project - before making any decisions or commitments.
This infographic highlights decisions and site issues that can cause large cost variances in the typical Air Conditioning Installation budget. Our FREE hiring guide helps you hire wisely, get quality craftsmanship and understand fair pricing for your specific project. We're an involved community that values your input.
So, let us know - did we meet your needs? Your comments and sharing are greatly appreciated! Site message including reference link shown here. For existing air handling system. Requires V 25A electrical connection required at unit. After determining the size of the unit, your contractor should talk to you about efficiency, which is expressed by the seasonal energy-efficiency rating SEER.
The higher the SEER, the less it costs to operate. These units have lower operating costs, tend to be higher quality, have more safety features, better sound shields and lower voltage requirements.
In general, the higher the SEER, the higher the initial cost for the unit. Next, you must decide what type of system to buy. There are two kinds. A "package system" gangs the condenser, which cools the refrigerant and exhausts warm air, with the fan-and-coil system, which cools and blows the air. The ducting connects directly to the unit. This is essentially a large wall air conditioner with ducts. But package systems are rare.
With a "split system," the condenser is outside the house and the fan-and-coil system are inside; they're connected to each other by pipes that carry refrigerant. If you have a forced-air furnace, the refrigerant pipes are connected to a cooling coil system fitted into the furnace air handler.
Sometimes it goes right into the existing plenum. If that won't work because of space limitations, the contractor will fabricate a separate sheet-metal plenum. If you don't have forced air, the fan-and-coil system is typically placed in the attic, where it will deliver cool air through ducts. The to foot-long pipes that carry the refrigerant are disguised to look like a downspout. Even the quietest condensers make noise, so work with your contractor to find a location that's not near a bedroom or home-office window.
Don't place the condenser under a deck or completely enclose it because it exhausts warm air out the top. Any airflow restriction will lower the unit's efficiency. You can, however, hide the condenser in the landscaping, as long as air can freely circulate around it. Most central air conditioners are split systems: The condenser is outside and the fan-and-coil system is inside, connected to the condenser by pipes that run up the outside of the house. The pipes can be disguised as part of the gutter-and-downspout system.
Ductwork services second-floor rooms through ceiling registers.
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