What You Need to Know Before Installing a New Cooling System

If you’re in the process of choosing a new central air conditioner or central heat pump, there are two important considerations to maximize home comfort, efficiency, and energy bill savings:

• Look for equipment that has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of at least 16
• Ensure your installation contractor is measureQuick trained

With regard to the second point, national studies reveal as many as two-thirds of new A/C installations are improperly configured to the homes in which they are installed.

A measureQuick trained contractor will adjust cooling equipment from its factory settings to the settings most appropriate for your home, focusing on two areas: airflow and refrigerant charge. Here is why that is important.

Airflow

High-efficiency air conditioners feature adjustable speed blowers that regulate airflow. If these aren’t set to the appropriate speed for your home or duct system, you could be left feeling uncomfortable and your brand-new cooling system could be damaging itself.

If set too high, your system will struggle to dehumidify as it cools, leaving you feeling clammy. If set too low, your air conditioner will need to run longer to reach a cool temperature, potentially resulting in ice build-up and damage to the compressor.

Refrigerant Charge

Air conditioners typically come with a standard factory refrigerant charge of 15 feet of line set. If the distance between the outdoor and indoor units is 15 feet, this would be ok, but they’re often farther apart and require additional refrigerant.

Undercharging can overheat the compressor, while overcharging can flood the compressor. Either way, incorrect refrigerant charge increases the likelihood of equipment malfunction and decreased cooling capacity and efficiency.

If you want to ensure the investment you’re making in a new cooling system pays off for many years to come, select a measureQuick trained contractor. Click here to find a contractor.