There are some steps you should take before you begin Air Conditioner Installation. Make sure to prepare the lines set for refrigerant and vacuum the ductwork before installing the air conditioner. Next, add insulation to the plenum and paint any damaged areas. If you do not have any experience in installing an air conditioner, seek professional help to complete the project. Follow these steps to avoid any mishaps later on. Listed below are some of the steps you should follow for a successful Air Conditioner Installation.
Installing a window air conditioner
To install your window air conditioner, follow these steps. Before you begin, make sure your window is free from obstructions. If it isn’t, you can always use shims to wedge the frame into place. Then, carefully lower the bottom sash of the window onto the air conditioner. If the window is made of hard wood, you may need to drill a pilot hole. Once in place, you should install the mounting brackets.
If you plan to install your window air conditioner yourself, make sure you have the proper tools. An air conditioning unit can be very heavy, so it is important to have at least two people help you. Use a sturdy platform or windowsill to support the window air conditioner and make sure the unit sits flush with the frame. To make sure the unit is level, use wood screws or metal screws. The instructions for installing your window air conditioner are typically outlined in your owner’s manual.
Preparing the line set for refrigerant
One of the most crucial steps of refrigerant air conditioning installation is the preparation of the line set. Most install teams are ill-trained and lack proper tools and processes to do this properly. A good HVAC company will have all the right tools and processes to ensure a proper refrigerant line set installation. Once this has been completed, the team can then proceed to the actual installation of the air conditioner.
The new line set is composed of two individual copper pipes, one larger than the other. The bigger copper pipe is called the suction line, while the smaller one is called the liquid line. A refrigerant line set is available in coils ranging in length from 15 to 50 feet, though residential units rarely require more than 50 feet. The copper lines are flexible and can be bent by hand or with a tubing bender.
Vacuuming the ductwork
Before you begin cleaning your air ducts, make sure they are covered. During this process, you will want to sweep out visible debris and dust from the air ducts. Also, you will want to vacuum any dust that accumulates within the 8 to 10-inch-deep space. If you can, use a vacuum cleaner with a powerful suction that is designed to clean ducts. You can also use a brush to loosen the dust and dirt that is lodged in the register. After you’ve cleaned all the ducts, you can rinse the ductwork with a damp microfiber cloth to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Before your HVAC technician begins the installation process, make sure you clean the ducts and registers. These components of the HVAC system can accumulate dust, debris, and rodents. You may want to invest in a portable vacuum to clean the ductwork thoroughly. Portable vacuums come with a hose that fits into each vent in your house. A nylon brush sits at the end of the hose and scrapes away debris inside the duct. Once the hose is clean, the technician starts a vacuum. The hose is 4″ thick and is not designed to reach every nook and cranny of the ductwork. Another disadvantage of using a portable vacuum is the spinning brush, which can damage dampers and flexible ductwork.
Adding insulation to the plenum
The process of installing an air conditioner involves building a conditioned plenum in your home. This insulated space is completely sealed off from the rest of the attic. You can create a conditioned plenum using scissor trusses or a truss configuration that forms a plenum box. In addition, you can install an access panel door to access the plenum’s coil and refrigerant line. However, this step is not required by code or manufacture specifications. The cover must have holes for condensation and refrigerant lines.
