Installing Central Air Conditioning Systems

Choosing a Central Air Conditioner

• When installing a central air conditioning system, it is important to choose one that is powerful enough to cool your entire home. According to ThisOldHouse.com, a heat-gain calculation can be performed to ensure that an adequately sized unit is chosen. The calculation should be performed by a contractor and should be done in accordance with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual. The amount of attic and wall insulation your home has, as well as the type of windows and doors you have are some of the factors taken into consideration.
  
  According to ThisOldHouse.com, proper sizing is crucial for installing central air condition systems. Oversized units will cost more and use up more electricity, and can also cause rooms to feel humid. This is because they cool homes so fast that they turn off before properly circulating the air. Aside from choosing the properly sized central air conditioning unit, it is also beneficial to choose one that is energy efficient.
  
  Air conditioners are rated on the SEER scale, or the seasonal energy-efficiency rating, which measures how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) a unit removes per watt of electricity used. In general, central air conditioning units with a higher SEER rating will have a higher initial cost, but much better efficiency which can result in savings over time. According to ThisOldHouse.com, the government mandates that new units being installed must have SEER rating of at least 13.
  
  

Hiring a Contractor

• Installing a central air conditioning system can be a challenging project, and generally requires a contractor to be hired unless you have a lot of experience in the air conditioning or electrician field. You should always hire a contractor that is HVAC or heating, ventilation and air conditioning certified to install a central air conditioning system. The refrigerants used in these systems can be dangerous, and handling them requires certification.
  
  

Condenser Placement

• Condensers are the noisiest components to central air conditioning systems, and are installed outside. According to ThisOldHouse.com, they should be kept away room bedroom and home-office windows, and should also not be installed under decks or beneath any other enclosed area as this can prevent hot air from escaping out of the condenser's top.