While it’s important to choose the right air conditioning unit for your home or business, it’s equally important that it’s installed correctly. Too often, inexperienced HVAC contractors lack the skill to properly determine the correct air conditioning specifications for a space.  Others fail to properly install a unit. With the wrong model for the space or a poor installation, cooling efficiency can be impacted by up to 30 percent. Here are some key considerations when it comes to air conditioner installation that you’ll want to keep in mind when it’s time for a new unit.

The Problem of Short-Cycling

Many air conditioner installation mistakes can lead to a problem commonly referred to as short cycling. This is when the compressor of the air conditioner turns on and off rapidly over a short period. This prevents the system from completing its cooling cycle. Short cycling raises utility bills, results in poor air distribution through the house and causes heavy stress on your air conditioner’s components. In other words, it decreases the lifespan of your unit. One of the most common errors inexperienced installers make is failing to accurately size a system. Often, an air conditioner that is too large is installed. While an oversized air conditioner can quickly lower the temperature, it also shuts off prematurely. When the temperature rises after a short amount of time, the compressor turns back on. This leads to the problem of short-cycling.

Faulty Installation Is Often a Hidden Problem

A less than quality installation isn’t something that is always easy to spot. Initially, it might seem to be functioning properly, but the first sign of a problem is often a sky-high utility bill. An experienced, thorough installer will take the time to ensure that every aspect of the AC unit is functioning optimally before leaving the job. As well, extensive inspection of the AC unit’s location should be conducted before it is installed.

Is It Installed Properly?

Don’t be afraid to ask your technician questions. Conduct your own inspection and note anything that doesn’t seem right. Your HVAC contractor should be more than willing to answer questions and address concerns. You also should be given details on your manufacturer warranty and installation guarantee. Have questions about air conditioner installations? Call Futureway Mechanical today. We’re always happy to help.