Part 2: How is a Central Air Conditioner Installed?

If you’re going to spend a lot of money to install a new centralized cooling system in your home, you’d be wise to make sure the work is done right the first time! 

HVAC installation is never something we recommend homeowners try to DIY. 

So many things could go wrong. Very wrong! It could cost you more than you realize! 

There’s an old saying in our trade: You always get what you pay for!!! 

At Five Star Home Services, we recommend you pay us to do it right the first time so you can enjoy optimal comfort, money savings, and peace of mind. This blog will explain this in more detail, the second installment of our five-part blog series on “Your Complete Air Conditioning 101 Tutorial.” This blog is all about the importance of getting it done right! 

A recap. . .  

In part one, we covered the basics of how central air conditioning systems work and the history of this modern appliance. Now, in our second installment, we will dive deeper into the installation process as a whole. Whether you’re a homeowner in Greater Columbus, Greater Dayton, or Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, or interested in this topic for another reason – understanding what to expect during a professional installation will help you be more prepared while ensuring everything goes smoothly. Let’s walk through the essential steps of installing a central air conditioning system, starting with a pre-installation assessment. 

The Pre-Installation Assessment Process 

The first step in the installation process is a thorough pre-installation assessment. We comprehensively inspect your home at Five Star Home Services to determine the appropriate air conditioner size and the ideal installation location. This assessment is extremely important. It includes the following: 

• Square Footage Calculation: Professionals always start by measuring your home’s size to ensure the unit can adequately cool the entire area. Sizing is EVERYTHING! 

• Insulation Check: Next, we evaluate the insulation quality in your home to gauge how it might impact cooling efficiency. Sometimes, you need a bit more! 

• Room Layout: Next, we get a scope of the home. Considering the layout of rooms and identifying the best locations for ductwork and vents. 

• Checking Everything Else: Finally, our technician inspects the components, including the ductwork, electrical connections, and refrigerant lines, to determine their condition and functionality. During the last part of the assessment, our technician identifies any existing issues or inefficiencies in your current system. 

The Equipment Selection Process 

This phase is all about getting you what’s best for your home! The right central air conditioning unit is essential for optimal performance and energy efficiency. During this part of the process, our friendly experts guide you through the following steps: 

• Equipment Sizing: Size is everything when it comes to home comfort systems. We help you choose a unit that matches your home’s cooling requirements. 

• Energy Efficiency: We also aim to get you the most high-efficiency model to reduce energy bills and environmental impact. 

• Brand and Features: We will review different brands and features to find a unit that fits your needs and budget. At Five Star Home Services, we aim to give you the most bang for your buck! 

Ductwork Evaluation 

Although we touched on this in the pre-assessment, we also come back to it in more detail during this phase. If your home already has existing ductwork, we assess it to ensure compatibility with the new system. If adjustments are necessary, we take care of the following: 

• Leak Sealing: We perform leak sealing to ensure your air ducts are sealed properly to prevent air leakage. 

• Air Duct Cleaning: If necessary, we can discuss air duct cleaning. We offer this service to clean existing air ducts and remove dust and debris, ensuring clean air circulation. 

• Ductwork Modification: We can modify to improve airflow and system efficiency. 

• Installation/Replacement: If your home doesn’t have ductwork or you need to replace it, we also offer this service as part of the installation package. 

The Installation Planning Phase 

Once we have completed those steps, we move on next to the planning phase. Planning the installation is a collaborative effort between you as a customer and our team. We develop a detailed plan, which includes the following: 

• Setting Timelines: First, we set a realistic installation schedule that fits your schedule. 

• The Preparation Steps: Informing homeowners of any preparatory steps they need to take, such as clearing the installation area, which we can handle. 

• Coordination: Coordinating with our electricians and/or other HVAC professionals required ensures we are sending you the best team. This final phase prepares you for the big day! 

The System Installation Day 

Now for your big day! Our certified HVAC technicians at Five Star Home Services handle the installation precisely and carefully. This process includes the following: 

• Indoor Unit Setup: Installing the indoor air handler or furnace. 

• Outdoor Unit Placement: Positioning the outdoor condenser unit in an optimal location. 

• Electrical Connection: Connecting the system to the electrical grid safely and efficiently. 

• Airflow Verification: Ensuring proper airflow through the ducts and vents. 

Testing and Quality Check 

After installing the equipment, we conduct thorough testing to ensure everything is functioning as it should. This is an essential step as well. This phase includes the following: 

• Testing: We start by running the system to check for any problems or malfunctions. 

• Leak Detection: We inspect for refrigerant leaks and to ensure all connections are secure. 

• Performance Verification: Verifying that all components are working together seamlessly and properly. 

Customer Orientation 

At Five Star Home Services, we believe in empowering our customers with knowledge about their new system. During this phase, we provide: 

• Operation Instructions: A comprehensive overview of how to operate the system. 

• Maintenance Tips: Guidance on regular maintenance to keep the system running efficiently. 

• Troubleshooting Advice: Basic troubleshooting tips for common problems. 

Post-Installation Support 

As always, our commitment to customer satisfaction doesn’t end with installation. Additionally, we at Five Star Home Services offer the following: 

• Follow-Up Consultations: Availability for any follow-up questions or concerns homeowners may have. 

• Adjustments: Making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. 

• Maintenance Plans: Offering maintenance plans to keep your system operating in top condition for years. 

• Additional Support: We keep our customers happy by treating them like family and making sure they know regardless of what they need, we are here to help! 

Why Professional Installation Matters 

Getting this done correctly and professionally is of the utmost importance. Home cooling systems are complex and require expertise to ensure you get what you’re paying for. Professional installation by certified HVAC technicians, like our team at Five Star Home Services, ensures the following: 

• High Reliability: Professional installation reduces the risk of future malfunctions and expensive repairs. You pay a lot of money for your equipment. This is important. 

• Complete Warranty Protection: Most manufacturers require professional installation to honor warranties. There’s a good reason for this. 

• Expert Efficiency: Proper installation maximizes system efficiency and reduces energy consumption. 

• Peace of Mind: When you choose Five Star Home Services, you can always enjoy peace of mind – in addition to optimal comfort for years to come – because you’re doing business with the best! 

In Conclusion

Installing a central air conditioner is a significant investment in your home’s comfort and value. Understanding this process can help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth experience. At Five Star Home Services, we are dedicated to providing top-notch service and support every step of the way.  

📁 Download our 2024 AC Buying Guide ➡️

Stay tuned for the next part of our series, which will cover the major components of your AC system. Part three is titled “The Heart of the Matter: Major Components of Your A/C System.” 

In the meantime, if you’re ready to take the next step toward a cooler, more comfortable home, contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

You can also visit our homepage to learn more about our services or get an instant online estimate. Additionally, you can always reach a friendly live person directly at (833) 405-8009. 

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Five Star Home Services 

Your trusted partner in home comfort.