The steps that a professional HVAC technician performs when installing a cooling system depend on the type you’re adding to your home. Although central air conditioners use refrigerant to keep a home cool just like a heat pump does, the installation process differs in certain ways. We’ll tell you what to expect.
Central AC Installation Steps
A central air conditioner is a type of cooling system that has only one indoor air handler that delivers cool air to the entire home through a series of ducts and air vents. Depending on where you live, you’ll likely have a furnace as well to keep the home warm during winter.
Install the Indoor Air Handler and Outdoor Unit
The technician starts the installation process by identifying the best location for the indoor air handler. In a lot of setups, it connects to the furnace. The outdoor condenser unit is typically installed on a stable, level pad in an area that provides ample airflow clearance on all sides.
Install Refrigerant Lines
After installing the indoor and outdoor parts, the technician connects them to one another with refrigerant lines. They then pressure-test these lines to make sure they don’t have any leaks. If there is any air or moisture in the lines, they use a vacuum pump to expel it.
Heat Pump Installation Steps
A lot of homeowners prefer to use a heat pump for cooling because it can also reverse its refrigerant flow to deliver heat in winter, providing one system for year-round comfort. This type of cooling system can work with or without ductwork.
Install Indoor Air Handlers
Another great reason to choose a ductless heat pump system is because it lets you add separate indoor air handlers to each space where you want customized climate control. The technician installs them on the wall, ceiling, or floor, according to each space’s layout.
Install the Outdoor Heat Pump Unit
Just like a central AC, the outdoor heat pump unit rests on a level pad in a place where it has adequate airflow at all times. The technician may recommend placing it on an elevated pad if the area is prone to flooding.
Install Refrigerant Lines
Also like a central AC setup, the outdoor and indoor parts of a heat pump connect to one another by means of a set of refrigerant lines. Once everything is in place, the technician checks the equipment’s heating and cooling modes to make sure it’s operating correctly.
A skilled technician can walk you through everything to expect during your next air conditioner installation. Most systems take 4 to 8 hours to fully install. Call our team at HVAC Essentials to book AC installation services in the Baton Rouge, LA area.