5 Things You Should Know When Installing an Air Conditioner

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5 Things You Should Know When Installing an Air Conditioner

Posted On: June 23, 2022

5 Things You Should Know When Installing an Air Conditioner

With the heat of the summer approaching, you may be looking to buy a new Central air conditioner.


Here are some tips to help you get the job done right! Today’s residential air conditioning systems are not as simple to install as they may appear.


Merely connecting all the tubing and wiring is just the beginning.


Beyond that, there are several important steps in the installation that can either make it or break it for you!


Here are 5 very important things that need to be done properly for your new air conditioner to last a long time.


This is how we do it day in and day out.


Number 1 - The installation of the evaporator coil (usually above your furnace) is a crucial part of a good install.


It must be installed in a way that directs all the air flowing out of your furnace, through the new matching evaporator coil.


This ensures that no air is flowing around it.


Also, the air leaks in the sheet metal work should be sealed with tape or sealant made for this purpose.


In the field, we often see an installation where the coil is mounted so that much of the air is flowing around the coil, which was never right to begin with.


We use 26 Gage Galvanized Metal Angle for this purpose because we come prepared to do it right.


Number 2 - The airspeed needs to be set at approximately 350 to 400 CFM per ton for air conditioning to work as it was designed to.


This is a very important step that is needed later when testing the level of “charge in your new system.


" Also, be sure to know the type of restrictor device your system has.


Is it a piston-type or a TXV (THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVE)? It is not unusual, on a service call, to see that an installer has left the furnace fan speed set in the factory position, which is usually too high and a good indication that the charge was never checked when the AC was installed.


There can be a more negative effect on piston-type systems if the airflow is too high or low.


Systems equipped with a TXV also need to have the “bulb” installed in the correct location and orientation.


So many times, when removing someone’s old system we see the bulb still sitting in the shipping location, which means it was never working right from day one.


Number 3 - With today’s systems running on R410a refrigerant, it is more important than ever to have inert gas such as NITROGEN flowing through the copper tubing.


This is used to move the refrigerant from the outside unit (condenser) through the inside unit (evaporator).


The reason for this is that oxides can occur from the brazing process, and they contaminate the new system before it even starts.


This result can result in poor performance and a short life span of your new air conditioner.


Number 4 - It is important to test your new system for leaks before starting it up for the first time.


This is a two-part process that we follow on every installation.


The first step in this process is to pressure test all the welded joints, and since we are using NITROGEN for brazing, we just leave it connected to your new system.


Then, we pressurize the evaporator and new copper line welds up to 200 PSI for a few minutes.


If there is a leak, it will show on the gauge, and you may even be able to hear it if it's big enough.


It's not uncommon to have a small leak at this time because sometimes the position of the joint is difficult to access.


So by using NITROGEN as a first step, the system can be pre-approved as leak-free.


Number 5 - The final step we take, for all new installations or on any repair calls, is to use a Micron gauge to prove that the new system is 100 percent leak-free.


We pull our vacuums down to 250 microns using a properly calibrated digital gauge.


You cannot pull a deep vacuum, such as this, with any kind of small leak or non-condensable in the lines.


Once we establish the deep vacuum, then and only then, do we release the refrigerant from the new AC condenser that comes with a factory charge, which is usually sufficient for installations.


The final part of the start-up process is to measure the charge to ensure it is within the manufacturers' specifications.


We use digital gauges, which measure all the important things needed to be certain the system is right on the money, such as using a superheat calculation for piston-type systems and sub-cooling for systems equipped with a TXV.


We usually end up either having to add a bit of refrigerant to the system or remove a bit of refrigerant depending on the length of the tubing or other variables to dial in the charge just right.


Sometimes it takes an extra bit of time but now you are ready to enjoy many years of trouble-free air conditioning to keep your home comfortable through the hottest days of the season.



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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Cibele Ceroni on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great Team! Furnace broke in the weekend, Bob visited same day and Greg installed new one on Monday. Team was professional, respectful and knowledgeable. Installation went very well, Greg found solutions to challenges, like hiding new conduits in the ceiling. Looks nice and new furnace is working great. Five Stars.

by Jackie Graham on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I used Twintech to install a new furnace for my home. Bob was terrific in explaining the sizing options and why the 2 stage furnace was the best option for me. Greg did a great job installing, clean and on time. Finished work looks great but the best part is how it works. The 2 stage heating is so much more comfortable. I run the fan continuously to keep the indoor air clean. Great investment! Would highly recommendTwintech!

by Anthony Silva on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I’m going to start this by saying I’m a very particular customer. My background is in mathematics and mechanical engineering so I have an eye for detail and a respect for technical knowledge.
Greg had already done an AC inspection and replaced a water heater tank and there was no question in my mind who to deal with replacing my rickety old furnace after it got pooched.
Bob dropped in ahead of time and clearly (and knowledgeably) outlined all technical, price and operational options.
Greg showed up on time, on the agreed date and did a fantastic job. (The OLD furnace was a house of horrors and was installed in a keystone cops sort of way- careless.)
The work Greg did was HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL and FAR MORE FUNCTIONAL than what I had.
I’m also a musician with many instruments so maintaining predictable humidity/temperature is extremely important to me. Greg recognized this as did Bob. You NEVER feel like you’re being brushed off.
In summary, if you’re looking for PROFESSIONAL, QUALITY results by an EXPERIENCED, THOUGHTFUL team
(that also happen to be FRIENDLY and ATTENTIVE ) then you’ve come to the right page!!

by Karen Morgan on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Once again Twin Tech came through and fixed my furnace. A young man by the name of Mitch came by tonight and he was so nice explained everything he was quick he was clean he turned off the lights even when he left the furnace room it’s just above and beyond Twin Tech always delivers and I just found out about them last year and I will use no one else but thanks again Mitch you are fantastic

by Richard Liu on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I had a problem with the Furnace (Armstrong ultra V) and Greg diagnosed it on the phone. Even told me what the issue was and I was able to fix it. This level of service from a Business that is almost unknown today.

If you require service, reach out to Greg. I will definitely use them in the future!

by Tony Forde on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We have been shopping for a heat pump for our home. We had 3 reps come in and make recommendations and provide a quote. Of the 3, Bob was so clearly so much more qualified, thorough and informed than the other two that the decision was a no brainer. As soon as we get our audit results Twintech will be installing our heat pump.

by Private User, Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

knowledgeable sales person, did not try to up-sell unneeded features,
and was easily contacted to ensure customer satisfaction.
Installation was expertly done by friendly guys, everything explained for use of the products. Old products were removed and returned to rental company as part of the service. Follow up call was received to check all was well. This is my second time using this company as I was fully satisfied with my previous air conditioning unit installation

by Private User, Courtice on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twintech recently installed a new furnace for me. Bob did a great job assessing what I had and needed. All details well explained including the importance of proper sizing of furnace and the value of multi stage heating and the variable speed blower. As a nurse, indoor air quality is a high priority so the variable speed motor running continuous is so good. 24/7 air cleaning. Greg did a great job on install, attention to detail so appreciated. Already notice such an improved comfort and heat. Thank you Twintech! You come as advertised. I will recommend to anyone in need of heating or cooling!

by Walter, Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We received various quotes from 4 different companies and right away, the prompt and thorough communication from Bob from TwinTech stood out. He introduced himself, sent sample sites and information, and always confirmed any agreed to dates and times.

Bob was friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the topic of HVAC and it was clear he was passionate about his profession. He approached the job as if he was installing in his own home.

Prior to the new furnace & A/C installation, our old units were loud and inefficient - having several rooms feeling too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. After installing the recommended units, all rooms stay at a consistent temperature- even the finished basement.

I highly recommend the TwinTech team - just an outstanding job at a reasonable price point.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The experience with Twintech was great from the start. Bob the sales manager was friendly and professional and did not use any pressure tactics. He was very knowledgeable.
The installation was completed by the twin owners in about 6-7 hours. Clean quiet easy going didn't mind when I poked my head in to see progress. Highly recommend

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