Where to Put Air Conditioner and Other Things to Consider Before Installing AC
Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes longer days and enjoyable outdoor excursions with the family. For many people, summer is their favorite time of year, but it also means you might have to start considering where to put an air conditioner unit in your home. Actually, you’ll have to consider a number of things if you’re installing a new AC, whether it’s to replace an old one or add one to your home for the first time.
Here are some things you need to consider when you add a new air conditioner to your home:
Consider the Placement of Your AC Unit
The placement of your AC unit is critical, since it helps determine how well the system works. The first thing you have to think about when installing a new air conditioner is the type of job it will be doing. How does your AC work in the first place? Simply put, it draws in air from the outside, cools it, and then circulates it through your home. This means that the warmer the air is when it is drawn in originally, the more work the AC unit will have to do to cool it. This means using more power to get the job done, which in turn means a higher electric bill.
So the first thing to consider when thinking about where to put an air conditioner unit is, don’t place it in direct sunlight. If you put the unit in an area that will become extremely hot during the hottest part of the day, then it’ll be working the hardest at the time you need it most. Find a spot that you know stays a little cooler, and preferably one that receives shade on hot days. By doing this, you’ll save some money on your energy bill throughout the summer.
What About the Height?
You’ll want to ensure that your air conditioner is placed at a height that won’t blast people with freezing cold air. For example, placing your AC unit directly over a bed can leave you freezing cold at night and force you to need the unit moved. It’s also important that it’s not so high up that the air has heated back up by the time it circulates.
Don’t Try to Hide Your AC Unit Either
Many homeowners think that a large machine like an air conditioner is a little unsightly, and they attempt to hide it behind plants, shrubbery, or other out-of-the-way corners of the home. The only problem with this is, if you place an AC unit in an area where the air has difficulty flowing, it will again increase the cost of your electric bill. Not only that, but the unit will become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. It’s best to place your air conditioner somewhere where air can flow freely and easily.
Think About Where All that Air Has To Go
Efficiency should always be on your mind when installing a new AC unit, because your goal is to keep you and your family comfortable without spending a ton of money on electricity. You’ll want to consider where the ducts in your home are and how they circulate air throughout all the rooms of the home.
You’ll also want to consider what your ducts are made of; this can save you a good deal of money as well. For example, duct boards are a common way of circulating air throughout the home, using fiberglass panels that are each approximately 10 feet long. They’re quiet and effective. However, if you’re able to opt for ducts made from galvanized steel, they’ll last for decades and be incredibly easy to clean, with the only downside being the increased cost initially.
How Big Is Your Air Conditioner?
The size of your AC unit needs some serious consideration, as well. Too many homeowners waste money on a unit that is too big or too small. If the unit is too large, it will waste energy cooling air that isn’t needed to cool the home. On the other hand, if the air conditioner is too small, it will struggle to get air to every corner of the home. In either case, your energy efficiency will be compromised.
To figure out exactly how big your air conditioning unit should be, contact the professionals at Entek. They’ll be able to make an estimate that won’t leave you wasting any money on energy costs.
Regular Maintenance Is Key
Regular maintenance is important and worth mentioning in any article about air conditioning. The fact is, many homeowners simply forget to properly care for their air conditioners, and as a result, they can face catastrophic breakdowns during the hottest parts of the year. Of course, this is also the exact time that most technicians are at their absolute busiest. That’s why the best time to have your air conditioner maintained is the off-season. Springtime is actually best since your Entek HVAC technician is less likely to be tied up with an emergency heater or air conditioner repair.
There’s a bit of maintenance you can do yourself as well. For example, regularly check the filters and clean or replace them every two months or so. Every few months, check to make sure there isn’t any dangerous buildup inside the ducts that circulate your air. Once a year, you’ll also want to check the evaporator coil.
Installing Your Air Conditioner
When it’s time to have a new air conditioner installed, or to do maintenance or repairs on an old one, you’ll want to have a professional you can trust. A company like Entek is usually your best option. You’ll be looking for years of experience and many satisfied customers. When looking for an HVAC technician, you’ll want to check references, as well as online reviews. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your prospective technician; they’ll be able to answer them if they’re skilled professionals.
