A Quick Look at the Process of a New AC Installation
Posted on: 21 March 2022
Spring is the ideal time for a new AC installation. This gives you time to complete the job before the weather gets hot and you need your AC to keep you comfortable. Of course, you can have an AC installation done any time, but since the air conditioner needs to be off during the installation, it could get stuffy in your house. Here are a few things to know about getting a new air conditioner installed.
The Refrigerant Is Removed
One of the first steps in getting a new air conditioner is removing the old refrigerant. This has to be done in a specific way to abide by laws. Only a licensed professional can deal with refrigerants. The refrigerant has to be recovered and held in a tank rather than bled out in the air.
The Equipment Can Be Recycled
Before your new AC is put in, the old equipment has to be removed. An HVAC system has a lot of metal parts that can be recycled, so your contractor will probably break the parts down and recycle them rather than haul everything to the dump. Either way, you won't have to worry about getting rid of equipment yourself since that's included in the cost of getting your new AC installed.
The New Condenser Is Set Up
If your current AC is several years old, you may be surprised to see that your new AC is much taller than your old one. That could mean you'll need to find a new location for the condenser. When the perfect spot is found, the contractor can put in a new pad. You probably won't need to have a concrete pad poured since the contractor can bring a pad along that is more suitable for holding the weight of the condenser without shifting or cracking.
The New Air Handler Parts Are Installed
The air handler for your air conditioner is the same thing as your furnace. You may or may not get a new furnace when you have your AC installed. Some contractors may recommend getting all new equipment at the same time, but it isn't always necessary, especially if your furnace has been replaced recently.
However, the AC installation contractor has to put in a new evaporator coil. This is the only part of the air handler that's used by the air conditioner only. The evaporator coil is where the refrigerant runs, and it makes a continuous loop to the condenser coil and back, so the entire refrigerant system is replaced when you get a new AC.
The condensation drip pan and drain line are part of the evaporator coil system. When warm air from your house passes over the evaporator coil, condensation forms, drips in the collection pan, and then drains out of the house. The contractor may put in new drain lines and a condensate pump when you get a new AC.
Wiring and Refrigerant Complete the Job
The contractor may add new wiring, especially to parts in the condenser where wiring might be damaged due to outdoor exposure. When the wiring is ready to go, the contractor is ready for one of the last steps, and that's filling the refrigerant.
Share