AC Installation Tips That Will Help You

First things first: if you don’t know what you’re doing, AC installation can be dangerous, expensive, and frustrating. You should have at least some working knowledge of electrical wiring before you begin such a process. If this describes you, then you should be good to go. If it doesn’t, strongly considering hiring an outside company to come in and do the work for you. It will be a little expensive on the front end, but it can wind up saving you a great deal of money and irritation, as they will get the job done right the first time. Obviously, if you want a central HVAC system put in, a DIY job is out of the question. If you’re determined to give it a go on your own, here are some tips that can aid you in your task.

One of the first things to do is pick a unit that will be right for your purposes. AC installation begins with choosing the right system. One simple way to do this is to measure out the number of square feet you want the unit to cool. Take that number and multiply it by 20, and you’ll have a rough idea of the BTU rating you want on your air conditioning unit. This isn’t always foolproof, but it will certainly get you in the ballpark. You want a unit that has enough power to cool the space, or it will be endlessly running in an attempt to get things down to the temperature you require. On the other hand, a machine that is far too powerful will be constantly turning off and on again, annoying you and risking a short.

Another important consideration is where you’ll place the outside unit. Try not to put it in a place that is going to get a lot of direct sunlight. Protect it from excessive heat by giving it some shade, either by natural or artificial means. You may want to make sure there is plenty of workable space around the unit as well, as eventually it will need to be repaired or serviced and you don’t want those repairmen to have to fight their way through a jungle to get to the unit.

Make sure you know the electrical system of your home and how much power you can draw on without knocking the circuit breakers off every time the machine comes on. This is why having some basic electrical knowledge is so vital in AC installation jobs. If at any time you feel overwhelmed, stop and let the professionals take over.