14 Jun Tips on Air Conditioning Installation for Your Place

The process of getting an air conditioner installed can be a daunting one, with so many options on the market and so many things to consider before making a decision. When getting your air conditioner installed, it may be tempting to let the experts handle every step of the installation process.

However, there are always things you can do to make the process go smoother for both you and the installer. Read through our tips to prepare for your air conditioner installation, so you can enjoy your new air conditioner with the least hassle possible.

Do Your Research

The first step of having an air conditioner installed is, of course, choosing what air conditioner you want! Reading through a buying guide will help you work out which model meets your needs.

There are several different types of air conditioners out there on the market, with different ones being suited to different needs.

• Split System Air Conditioning
  Split system air conditioners are some of the most popular, being highly energy efficient and able to both cool and heat. If you’ve decided to go with this option, you’ll need to install an interior head unit as well as an external condensing unit, so be prepared for these initial installation expenses.

• Portable Air Conditioners
  If you live in a small space or only need one room cooled at a time, a portable air conditioner could be the easiest solution for you. Simply take it with you to whatever room you want to cool down, and bypass the whole installation process.

• Evaporative Coolers
  Evaporative coolers process water to cool down a room while purifying the air. These are best for those living in low humidity areas and are also cheap to run and easy to install.

After you’ve worked out which air conditioner is best for you, then you can go about researching what installation company to go for. Make sure to factor in the possible cost of installation into your overall budget – this will prevent you from overspending on the air conditioner and finding yourself at a loss when it comes to the installation.
Finally, a commonly overlooked part of choosing an air conditioner is looking at its rated noise (dB) level. If your air conditioner has an external unit or you share walls with your neighbors, you must be mindful that your air conditioner is not going to disturb them.

Choose Your Installer

DIY aficionados or home improvement diehards may be tempted to install the air conditioner themselves, but this poses a number of potential problems. If an air conditioner is installed improperly, it can result in costly repairs later on or cause your warranty to become void. If the installation of your air conditioner requires some structural changes, such as the installation of vents, this is definitely something best left to the professionals.

Avoid any possible damage or future issues by doing your research on trusted local air conditioner installers. Not only can they get the job done efficiently and properly, but they will also be there to assist with maintenance and repairs through the years. Always go for a licensed contractor who has liability insurance, in case they accidentally damage your property when conducting their work.

When it comes to home improvement projects, you might be tempted to enlist the help of a family friend or someone who has listed their manual labor services on online listing boards. But bear in mind that although you may save money in this way, you are likely inviting costly repairs in the future.

Another benefit of hiring a licensed installer is that they can also take care of any required permits if extensive work needs to be completed on your property or there is a chance of disruption to your neighbors. Similarly, you need to ensure that the installation process will not disturb your neighbors too much, particularly in the case of apartments where shared walls and small balconies prevent adequate soundproofing.

Another thing to bear in mind is whether the company you’ve chosen uses their own employees or hires subcontractors. This is not to say that subcontractors can’t provide good service, but a company that hires direct contractors is able to provide a greater guarantee of their level of service.

You can also rest assured that their staff will all have undergone background checks, are trained in the same way, and that any issues you have can be taken care of through the same company, instead of chasing down individual subcontractors.

Now that you’ve decided on an air conditioner and had it installed by the professional, it’s important to maintain it so as to preserve its warranty, prevent costly repairs and extend its lifespan. Some of these maintenance jobs can be done by anyone, e.g. regularly changing the filters. Larger maintenance jobs, however, are best left to the professionals, and an annual inspection is also recommended.