Homeowners often choose to DIY projects in the home to save money, and installing an air conditioning unit is one of those tasks they take on. While HVAC is an intricate system that takes specific tools and a particular level of skill and knowledge, many people are willing to take that challenge.

Ultimately, it’s wise to have a well-qualified, experienced air conditioning install contractor like Bud’s Heating and Cooling in Columbiaville, MI, inspect the system once it’s been installed to ensure the unit is secure, stable, and correct. Hence, the function is optimum, resulting in the highest efficiency. 

You will need a company to come annually or perhaps biannually for tune-ups of the system to reduce the need for repairs and keep the unit running at peak performance. Tune-ups and homeowner maintenance keep the HVAC efficient and help achieve an extended lifespan of the equipment.

Mistakes That Can Happen With DIY Installs

When residents of Columbiaville, Michigan, decide to install their own HVAC equipment, it makes sense to contact a qualified contractor to come behind to ensure the accuracy of the installation. 

Air conditioning install contractors will generally charge a higher price point when inspecting and making corrections with a DIY install. Still, it’s worth the expense considering mistakes can lead to years of defects and malfunctions that need correcting if installation is poor. 

Check out how to install a split system air conditioner at https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Split-System-Air-Conditioner/. Some of the common mistakes that providers typically run into with follow-up inspections include:

• The wrong size for the household

Among the most common install mistakes is selecting the wrong AC unit for the household size. That can lead to severe system inefficiency with the potential for “short-cycling.” The unit needs to be large enough to accommodate the home’s square footage but not too big. 

That means a homeowner needs to transfer the household dimensions into a “BTU calculator” to determine the number of BTUs the air conditioner will need. You’ll then need a model that produces that amount. 

An A/C installation contractor will make these calculations and help you locate an appropriate model, plus handle the installation without incident.

• Thermostat in the wrong location

The thermostat needs to be placed strategically to avoid temperature inconsistencies. The air conditioning system relies heavily on the thermostat for overall functionality. If the thermostat is not functioning consistently, the A/C can fail optimum operation.

Placement needs to be away from the direct sunlight since this has the potential for inaccurate temperature making the air conditioning output incorrect in the household.

You also don’t want the device near any doors or windows. Drafts can cause the A/C to believe it’s either too cold or too warm than the actual room temperature, again creating inconsistencies.

The idea is to put the thermostat in a secluded area of the house, like a corridor or a hall area.

• Unit position incorrect

In the same vein as the thermostat, the air conditioning unit needs to be positioned in the right spot, or it will consume too much energy by working too hard. It would be best if you looked for a reasonably shaded area with minimal exposure to the sun’s direct rays. 

A lot of experts put the condenser under the home’s awnings in a place where there’s plenty of open space surrounding the equipment. Without sufficient clearance, the system will have to work that much harder. 

That means roughly five feet from the condenser to any plants, trees, shrubs, decorative lawn items, and so on.

• Improperly positioned vents

For central air conditioning, there will likely be a duct system to be installed along with the A/C equipment. In addition, you’ll also find that vents need to be put in. Vent placement in the rooms is vital for one reason because these will determine furnishing placement. 

You cannot cover a vent with clutter, rugs and curtains can’t hang over them, furnishings can’t sit on them, etc. 

The ideal location for a vent is at the top of the wall in each room. There’s no possible way for them to interfere with any other component in the room when placed in this area. The only issue with this placement is the ability to clean them at this height, but if you invest in a step ladder, you should be good.

Final Thought

When engaging in the self-installation of an air conditioning system in Columbiaville, Michigan, trying to avoid the mentioned mistakes will help the process progress more smoothly. 

The other suggestion is to ensure that an A/C install contractor takes a peek when you’re through to ensure adequate installation. Doing so could save you from unnecessary repairs and malfunctions. It’s worth the investment.