With summer on its way here in Dover, DE, many homeowners are replacing their old air conditioners with new ones. Now is the perfect time to do it, since it can spare you the high bills and inefficient operation of an older system whose race is run. But while you should always trust a professional with air conditioner installation — it requires permits and licensing, in addition to specific technical skills — there are things you can look for with a quality installation that can help you right the right service. Ask about these items with your technician, and make sure they’re on the agenda when the time comes to install your system:
- Outdoor Unit. The outdoor part of the air conditioner needs to be on a level surface, preferably a concrete stand. It also needs to be at least 1 foot away from the walls of your home to provide proper ventilation. The outdoor unit should also have an electrical disconnect nearby, allowing a technician to easily cut off electricity and conduct repairs.
- Tubing. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit by copper lines, which need to be properly insulated and braced or supported so they don’t sag.
- Drain Connections. Lowering the temperature of the air causes moisture in the air to coalesce into droplets. The air conditioner collects them in a pan and drains them out via a line. Make sure the line is properly connected to an appropriate drain.
- Components and Cleanliness. Good technicians will use high quality individual components, which promote efficiency and reduce the chances of a breakdown later. They’ll also ensure that proper clean-up takes place after installation: removing bits of insulation and similar detritus before starting the system up.
And of course, a good installation service will be there for repairs and maintenance when you need them. Call Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning today.