Installing a new air conditioning system is not typically a DIY project. This is because the work requires specialized training and tools. For professional help, contact Pro Master Heating & Air Conditioning.

Many homeowners choose to install a split system, which has the evaporator coil and air handler indoors while the condenser unit is outside. This type of system is less expensive and quieter than a packaged air conditioner.

The cost of air conditioning installation can vary significantly, depending on several factors. These include the type and size of the AC unit, its brand and manufacturer, as well as its SEER efficiency rating. An efficient system may cost more upfront, but it can save you money in the long run with lower yearly electricity costs.

The size of your home or building and the level of cooling capacity you need are also important considerations. An HVAC contractor will assess your space and determine the right air conditioner size for your needs. A larger air conditioner will provide more comfort, but it will also cost more to operate than a smaller one.

It is also important to consider whether you want your new air conditioner to be centrally located or ductless. A centrally based AC will usually be less expensive to install, but it requires a 240-volt electrical circuit that will be installed by a licensed electrician. This typically costs between $100 and $150.

If you choose a central AC system, you will also need to pay for any necessary plumbing work. All central AC systems require a drain line for condensation that builds up in the air handler, which will add to the overall installation costs. It is important to find an experienced contractor with a good reputation for quality workmanship, as an improper installation job can lead to serious problems.

Ductless systems are more affordable to install, but they may not be suitable for all homes. Some older homes have inadequate insulation and have many west-facing windows that are difficult to cool. An expert home insulation service provider can help you choose the best ductless system for your home and your budget.

Other factors that influence the cost of AC installation include a building permit, extra plumbing or electrical work, asbestos removal, or mold testing. Some of these expenses may not be included in the initial quote, so it is important to ask about them before you sign any contracts. It is also a good idea to get multiple quotes from different contractors to ensure that you are getting the best price.

Installation Method

The way your air conditioning system is installed can have a significant impact on how well it works. A bad installation job can result in poor performance, excessively high energy bills, or even system failure. The best way to avoid this is by hiring a reputable company that has the proper equipment and training to ensure the installation job is done right.

When a professional HVAC company comes to your home for an in-home consultation, they will discuss your cooling needs and what size of system is best suited for your home. They will also evaluate the home’s existing infrastructure to identify any problems that could interfere with the new AC unit’s performance. They will determine whether it’s better to install a ductless or a ducted system and what type of refrigerant your new system will use.

After the in-home consultation, an in-house team will begin the AC installation process. They will first use a recovery machine to remove the old refrigerant from your system, which will then be drained into a tank. Next, they will remove and replace the power conduit, or “whip,” and mount a service disconnect.

They will then move on to the outdoor unit, where they’ll remove and replace the old pad that it sat on. The new pad will be a composite one that can withstand vibration and last the lifetime of your system. The technicians will then connect the copper pipes and power cable to the unit, using electrical tape to secure the connection points.

The low-voltage control wire is connected to the air conditioner condenser, according to the instruction manual. The technician will also test the system for proper operation by running it with a full load. This requires that the house be warm enough to provide a minimum cooling potential during the charge cycle.

After ensuring the AC is operating properly, they’ll test and adjust the blower speed to the optimal setting for your home. Then, they’ll run a full inspection report, indicating what was done and why, and provide you with the final bill.

Cooling Capacity

The cooling capacity of an air conditioning system reflects the amount of heat it can remove from your home over time. It’s calculated as the change in the specific enthalpy of refrigerant in the evaporator caused by the refrigeration load multiplied by the mass flow rate of the refrigerant. The result is the system’s ability to remove heat from your home over the course of an hour. It’s expressed in BTU per hour or kilowatts, depending on the country in which you live.

Cooling capacity is often described in tons, but it’s important to remember that one ton of AC doesn’t actually weigh several tons. The term refers to the cooling capability that an AC unit offers over an hour, and residential units usually range from 1.5 to 5 tons.

In addition to cooling capacity, you should pay attention to energy efficiency ratings when making your selection. Energy consumption is one of the biggest components in determining your utility bills, and a high SEER rating means that you’ll spend less on electricity each year.

Many people make the mistake of assuming that bigger is always better when it comes to an air conditioner or heating system. In reality, an oversized unit will short-cycle frequently and won’t be able to properly dehumidify your space. The system will also consume a lot of energy because it will run and stop frequently instead of running steadily.

To avoid these problems, your contractor should follow the guidelines in Manual J to calculate a proper air conditioning size for your space. The results of this calculation will allow the contractor to recommend the best system for your home in terms of both cooling capacity and energy efficiency. The contractor can also consult the manufacturer’s performance tables to see how different units perform under various conditions. Energy efficiency is a key aspect to consider because it will significantly reduce your energy costs. The AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) independently certifies air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps, so the AHRI number on an appliance is a good indication of its efficiency.

Energy Efficiency

The more efficient your air conditioner is, the fewer watts it will use to cool your home. Energy efficiency is usually measured by a number called the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER. A new air conditioning unit will typically have a higher SEER rating than older units.

In the United States, air conditioning manufacturers must comply with minimum SEER standards that were set for January 23, 2023. These new rules are designed to improve the accuracy of a new air conditioner’s efficiency ratings and reflect how it performs in the real world.

Compared with older models, the new SEER standards will require that air conditioners have a minimum of 13 SEER in northern states and 15 SEER in southern states. New high-efficiency ENERGY STAR (r)-qualified systems can have SEERs of up to 24 or more.

Your home’s cooling needs can vary considerably, especially if you have many rooms or large windows and doors. The amount of BTUs needed to cool your home is a major factor that determines the size of the air conditioning system you’ll need.

The type of air conditioning installation you choose will also have an impact on your system’s energy efficiency. Split systems consist of two pieces: an exterior compressor and an indoor fan system of some kind, while packaged air conditioning units sit in a cabinet outside or on the roof. The best AC unit for your home is usually the one that works with a gas furnace, which can also function as a heater in addition to cooling.

If you live in a hotter climate, you’ll want to look for a geothermal system or other highly efficient heating and cooling technologies. These systems can have a much higher price tag, but they tend to pay for themselves in energy savings.

While there are many factors that go into determining the cost and installation method of an air conditioning unit, there are plenty of choices for St. Louis homeowners who want a comfortable summer while spending less on their utility bills. Choosing an efficient air conditioner can help you cut down on your energy costs and improve your home’s resale value.