AC Maintenance 77041 Tips Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Installing a new air conditioning system is a BIG thing! We associate the decision with comfort, but air conditioning primarily keeps a home safe and healthy. A new residential system will last 15 to 25 years, so the product and installation will have long-lasting consequences. Choosing an HVAC professional and the products they sell and service is critical.
New Construction vs Replacement
The path for both types of installations achieves similar results but takes a slightly different path to the destination.
- New construction might require working with design professionals to determine design criteria, component locations, and ductwork run.
- Replacement requires more than just sticking the same system in the old hole and calling it good. Technology has definitely changed over the last 15 to 20 years.
Determining Size
All installations should begin with a Load Calculation, an investigative test to determine the size of the equipment the home needs. Air conditioning is sized in tonnage; one ton is capable of changing 12,000 pounds of water one degree Fahrenheit. The number of tons needed to condition your home is determined by:
- The square footage
- Type of insulation
- Number and size of windows and doors
- Number of stories of living space
- Several other factors
A technician will measure and ask questions to get the correct size for each unique home. Why is this important?
- Systems that are too large for the space will work too efficiently. The cooling cycles will be short and many. The short cycle does not allow sufficient time for the system to remove humidity from the indoor air. The many cycles cause premature wear on the equipment and shorten the unit’s lifespan.
- Systems that are too small cool inefficiently. The cooling cycles will be long, trying to keep up with the heat and humidity of the indoor air. On extremely hot days, the system may be insufficient to cool the space. The long cycles cause excessive wear on the equipment and shorten the unit’s lifespan.
Like Goldilocks, you need a system that is just the right size.
Encountering New Technologies
New air conditioner systems will be quite different than previous systems you have known.
- New Refrigerants. The industry is constantly seeking better refrigerants for air conditioners, coolers, and freezers. New refrigerants will be more eco-friendly and energy-efficient than older models.
- New Compressors. Variable-speed compressors offer a nice new feature. On days with subtle temperature variations, this technology runs the compressor at reduced levels, saving the full compressor strength for when it is needed. You might not understand the whole process, but it is an energy-saving feature that benefits the household budget.
- Ultraviolet Lights. UV light has been used for years to neutralize organic airborne allergens and pathogens, but some new systems have them pre-installed in the system. This is a big plus for every family.
Read the installation quote carefully and ask questions about anything that is not clear.
Professional Installation
Many people CAN install a new air conditioning system in your home. This is your chance to choose who you prefer for installation.
- Make sure the company and installation crew are qualified technicians.
- Make sure the company gives excellent customer service and answers questions readily.
Between installation and long-term maintenance of the system, expect to see this company in your home repeated for years to come. Their goal is to be so good that you will use them for your next installation 15 to 25 years down the road.
Have Questions About AC Maintenance 77041?
Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help answer your AC Maintenance 77041 questions. Contact us and get the help you need.
