5 Things You Should Know When Installing an Air Conditioner

24 / 7 Emergency Service Available. Call Us Now: 1.844.894.6832


[BACK]
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.



[BACK]

See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Just choose Twintech!

I do not usually write reviews and should have done this a few days sooner. But I was and still am enjoying the increased comfort in my home from the new furnace installed by Twintech.

From my initial call and conversation with Bob, I already had a good feeling that I would like this company.

I was provided information, pictures of great quality work previously completed.

When Bob came for the inspection of the furnace he was amazing. He gave so much great advice and told me all the areas that his team would resolve. I was very impressed as some of what he had suggested I had only seen in Youtube videos. The honesty and options for payment made this a no brainer. I decided I would like Twintech to replace my furnace.

The work was scheduled promptly week and took place within half a day. Gregg came to install the new furnace. Again amazing they carried out all the work promised. What was left was the best I have seen and speaks to how they take pride in the work they do and deliver. Gregg was really polite and professional and the furnace in my basement is a work of art.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

They were friendly, fast, clean, & answered any questions I had. They are also offering an interest free 12 month payment plan - that really helped me out since this was an unexpected expense.

by Jamie, Windsor on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I had Twintech heating install a new furnace and ac unit. Bob, the sales rep, the installation team of Greg and Mitch were a 10 across the board. They were never pushy, gave me time to think about it. Once we decided , they were there in 24hrs. Great company to deal with. And they were nearly 5k less than a competitors quote for a top of the line furnace/ac unit verse mid level.
I highly recommend Twintech heating to anyone interested in anything HVAC.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Our hot water tank died and with an after hours phone called Bob the sales guy jumped into action. Friendly, courteous and genuinely wanted to do whats best for our house hold we were given options and he awaited an answer with no pressure.

We decided on what we wanted and it was installed asap and Greg and team worked and cleaned up so well, you would never know there was a hot water tank there before!

We love our hot water tank and being able to have back to back to back showers without having to wait for the hot water tank to heat the water!

by Gary Grieves, Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I had heard of Twin Tech from a good friend of mine.
I needed to get a new Air Conditioner. It was not working properly and was 19 years old. I decided to get a new furnace at the same time.
I gave them a call on Saturday June 28.
I spoke to Bob Graham. I made arrangements for him to attend my house the following day.
I saw him on Sunday June 29 at 1100 AM.
He was on time and looked professional.
He spent 2 hours with me going over what I needed. He also suggested that I purchase a Humidifier. He gave me a quote of just under $11,000.00 for the purchase and installation of a Air Conditioner, Furnace and Humidifier. He was not pushy and gave me time to speak to my wife.
I called Bob on Monday June 30 and made arrangements to have it installed by the end of the week.
On Friday June 3 they arrived at 830 AM.
Again, right on time.
Greg and Mitch worked all day and finished the installation by 430 PM.
They made sure that everything was working properly and the basement was just as clean as it was before they came.
I will now be using Twin Tech to perform any maintenance needed on this equipment.
I was completely satisfied from start to finish with the service provided.

Thank You,
Gary Grieves.
Upchurch Ave.
Ajax.

by Kevin, Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We contacted TwinTech after having another ductless air-conditioning company come in to quote on a solution for our townhouse. We had a unique problem where my office was a hot spot - it's at the front of the unit and gets a lot of sun. If it's 20C outside, It's 29C in my office. The other company could not build a solution that would get a ductless unit to that room because of the location - the AC unit would have to be at the rear, and ductless systems would have to be on that side of the interior. TwinTech suggested a hybrid solution to fit our unique problem, where the ductless unit would move cold air to an air exchanger installed in our bedroom closet, and then they built a ducted vent system between all the upper rooms. This was less intrusive than building a central air system, and less expensive. Each room has a vent that I can close off, so I can push more cold air to my office when needed. We really didn't want ductless units sitting on the walls, and this looks and works better. I really appreciate the extra thought and care that went into the design of a solution, and the attention to detail in the installation. They answered all of our questions, and were able to do a bit extra by installing the ducts around the vents and painting them for us. It cost more than we originally planned for, due to our unique needs, but the fact that they offered financing helped us budget for more.
The job was done fast (I think we got lucky with timing where it wasn't the AC install busy season yet), and the team was very friendly and professional. They arrived and finished each day when they said they would. My office is now running at a comfortable temperature! I'm extremely happy with the experience and would whole heartedly recommend them.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

How lucky are we to have this team come save us from our broken down, under sold, poorly installed previous unit (mind you there is a reason SEARS went bankrupt). Bob arrived on time to give us a detailed review of our unit and furnace; very knowledgeable. Greg arrived as planned with the new unit and reiterated what Bob explained how our furnace is equipped to handle the new unit and we didnt need to spend more money on a variable speed air conditioner. Cant say enough on how professional, efficient and personable this team is. Thank you so much guys!

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We used Twintech for our replacement AC. Bob did a great job assessing what we needed and organized the install and showed up on install date. Greg and Mitch were on time and were very neat. They covered the traffic areas with a drop cloth and did an excellent install. Great clean up after install complete. Would recommend Twintech for heating and cooling.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

They were fantastic, clean, freindly, great service. Would definitely recommend. Answered ally questions and more.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We woke up at about 7 a.m. the Sunday morning before Valentine's Day to a house that was barely 15 degrees Celsius on a really cold day. We tried to call some other suppliers but no answer or call back. We did a quick google search and Twintech came up. Had never dealt with them before. They had a chat line and lo & behold, someone answered; Greg. Helped us diagnose that our 40 year old furnace pilot light was out and walked us through how to relight it. All worked well; he even called me during this process. No charge I was told when asked.
15 minutes later, the pilot went out. It would not stay lit. Greg had Bob call us and we set up a meeting for about 11 a.m. that same Sunday.
Bob walked us through the options and even brought 3 electric space heaters for us to use. By Tuesday afternoon, we had a new Furnace and central air installed.

The team was helpful, responsive and respectful. Very glad we found them by accident and looking forward to a nice cool summer after a warm winter.

Thanks guys!

Related Links:
ac repair services, furnace repairs pickering, central air conditioner services, whitby air and heating, whitby heating and air, ajax hvac repair, air conditioner repair, hvac repairs, heating repair company, house air conditioner repair, ac repair and service, whitby air conditioning, residential air conditioner repair, residential ac repair, pickering air conditioners, oshawa air conditioners, nearby ac repair, furnace repair ajax, furnace repair pickering, furnace repair oshawa, furnace repairs, furnace repair, hvac repair service, central air conditioner, ajax furnace repair, ajax air conditioners,