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 Scott and Sandra in Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

After receiving numerous quotes to replace my old furnace and AC unit (which was 20 years old) I went with Twintech. Dave, in sales, answered questions professionally and promptly and worked diligently in order to secure my business. Installation was scheduled the week after and Greg and Peter showed up, as scheduled, and did a fine job installing both units. The site was left tidy and neat. I would highly recommend Twintech for your furnace and AC work.

by Linda from Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I chose TwinTech because they installed my new furnace a few years ago and did a great job. When they installed my new A/C, they replaced all parts -- the copper pipes, the housing on top of the furnace and the wiring. (Apparently, the wiring for my old A/C was insufficient.) Their pricing was competitive. The sales representative came to see me within a few hours of my call. My new A/C was installed a few days later and I couldn't be happier with Twintech's professionalism and work. I would recommend TwinTech to any homeowner.

by george polychronis from Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Had a great experience with this company. Great price and great customer service. You wont be disappointed with twintech. Discussed the job with Greg while he was installing who was extremely informative and obviously enjoys the work he does.

by Nuzio in Markham on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I needed my AC unit relocated due to upcoming landscape work. I reached out to the Twintech team through Homestars. Dave connected with me immediately to discuss the project and various options. We decided the best option was to mount the unit on the wall. Greg was in touch with me the same day as well and we scheduled the work for later that same week. This was a small job so I did not think I would get immediate attention. The Twintech team exceeded my expectations in every respect. They were very knowledgeable and friendly. The team arrived exactly on time on the scheduled day and worked efficiently to get the job done quickly. I would definitely use Twintech again for any Heating and AC projects.

by Leslie B, Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I have used Greg Dainty for over 15 years in 3 different homes, for heating, cooling, pool heaters, appliances and bbq lines. Greg has always been so professional, friendly and the workmanship nothing short of fantastic. Greg has always discussed my options and fixing versus replacing, giving his honest opinion and what works best for me cost effective wise and long term. I have valued his opinion so much and have not trusted my gas needs with anyone since using him. I have also referred him to many of my friends and family and have always been so thankful with how well and quickly he looks after us all. I hold Greg in the highest regard and would recommend him to anyone with complete confidence!

by Marcel M, Whitby ON on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Really nice honest guys. It was a pleasure to do business with a company that does exactly what they say they’re going to do! My basement was cleaner after they installed my new furnace and AC. Thanks again Greg and Grant and for doing such a great job.

by George In Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

5 star service!! I had twin tech install a high efficiency furnace and hot water tank at my home. I am taking time to write this review as a thanks for what I viewed as next level service that went above and beyond. Prior to installation they explained my specific options without pushy sales tactics and up front costs. Greg and Grant replaced a large portion of the duct work (built in their own shop) that had rusted over the years which resulted in a great looking job. It was a pleasure to work with people are passionate and take pride in their work. Following the installation they explained all aspects and maintenance of the new equipment. Products have worked flawlessly. Thanks again Greg and Grant! Highly recommend!!

by Donna J, in Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twin Tech was great; they were honest, reliable and very thorough. I would recommend their services and will definitely be using them in the future.

by Sheila C. Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Hi Dave, Thank You Dave for coming to my aid this past summer when my AC quit. Your men did a great job installing and cleaning the area. The unit is working very well and i would highly recommend your company TwinTech. Dave you delivered what you sold and i truly appreciate it.

by Darin O. Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

My experience with TWINTECH has been excellent, start to finish. While doing market research I made a list of several local companies and called them for some high-level information. Dave was the first to call me back, and the only one to book a meeting to see my place in order to give an informed, accurate estimate. He reviewed the different AC makes and models with me, explained the technology, and made a recommendation appropriate to my home. The installation went smoothly. I had one post-installation issue – there was moderate noise/vibrations coming from the duct system. I called about this, booked an appointment, and the technician resolved the issue during the service call. I feel assured having a 10-year warranty on parts & labour. I would recommend TWINTECH to anyone considering an AC or furnace for their home. Regards,

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