How To Avoid Air Conditioning Installation Issues
Oct 18, 2022
While many people enjoy the benefits that air conditioning provides, others find that it causes more problems than it’s worth. If you’re in the latter group, you may be wondering how to avoid air conditioning installation issues.
Here are a few tips:
- Incorrectly Sized Unit
One of the most common mistakes made when installing air conditioning is choosing a unit that is too small or too large for the space. An air conditioner that is too small will have to work harder to cool the space, leading to higher energy bills and shortened lifespan.
Conversely, an air conditioner that is too large will cool the space too quickly, resulting in uneven cooling and humidity or moisture problems. Of course, you are also spending more than you need to in order to get the same result.
Some tips to help you determine the correct unit size for your space include:
- Calculating the size of the room you wish to cool
To do this, simply multiply the length and width of the room. For example, an average bedroom is 3m x 4m = 12m2.
You can then multiply the floor area by 120 – 180 watts per square metre depending on the climate, the ceiling height, the number of windows facing the sun, and thelevel of insulation.
In Canberra, it may be sufficient to multiply 12m2 x 120 watts = 1.4kW. You would then slightly oversize the unit for future proofing, and purchase a 2kW air conditioner.
- Consider your ceiling height
The higher the ceiling, the more powerful the air conditioner will need to be to effectively cool the room. Most homes have a 2.4m ceiling height, and this is usually taken into account when calculating size.
If you have a 3m or higher ceiling height, you will need to use a higher multiplier when calculating the unit size.
- Quality and quantity of home insulation
In addition to floor area, another important factor to consider is insulation. Well-insulated homes are airtight, keeping hot air out in the summer and cold air in during the winter. This means your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard (and use as much energy) to maintain a comfortable temperature.
If your home is poorly insulated, you will need a larger air conditioning unit to maintain a comfortable temperature. Poorly insulated homes are often drafty, allowing hot air to enter in the summer and cold air to escape in the winter. This means that your AC unit will have to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
- Exposure to the sun
One factor many people don’t consider is the number and size of your windows, the direction your home faces and the amount of sun exposure it gets.
If your home has a lot of windows, especially large windows, that let in a lot of sunlight, you’ll need a bigger AC unit to cool your home effectively.
The same goes for homes that face the sun for most of the day. On the other hand, if your home has few windows and isn’t directly exposed to the sun, you can get away with a smaller AC unit.
There are many handy guides available for choosing the right size unit.
- Poorly Sealed Ductwork
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home evenly, there’s a good chance that poor ductwork is to blame.
If the ductwork is not properly sealed, air can escape, leading to inefficiency and higher energy bills. In addition, poorly sealed ductwork can allow outside air into the home, which can impact indoor air quality.
Leaky ducts can be caused by a variety of factors, including holes, cracks, and loose connections. Even small leaks can cause big problems, as they allow conditioned air to escape and can pull unconditioned air into your ductwork. This can lead to uneven cooling, higher energy bills, and even health problems.
Damaged ducts can also cause air conditioning problems, as they can restrict air flow and prevent proper functioning of your system. Damaged ductwork can be caused by a variety of factors, including pests, water damage, and even poor installation.
- Improperly Installed Filters
Air conditioners rely on filters to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants from the air. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. With reduced airflow, the system has to work harder to cool your home, which can lead to the unit freezing up, increased utility bills, and repair calls.
The first thing you should do if you think your air conditioner’s filter is dirty is check it. If it’s covered in dust or dirt, it needs to be replaced or cleaned. You can clean a reusable filter with warm, soapy water; just make sure it’s completely dry before you put it back in the unit. disposable filters can’t be cleaned, so they need to be replaced every few months.
- Refrigerant leaks
One of the most serious problems that can occur during air conditioning installation is refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant is what helps to cool the air inside your home, and if it leaks, it can cause the air conditioner to lose its cooling power.
Also, if your AC unit is leaking refrigerant, it can cause damage to your home’s HVAC system, as well as potentially posing a health hazard.
There are a few different things that can cause problems with the refrigerant, and you will need to have a professional take a look at it to determine the exact problem.
One problem that can occur is that the refrigerant can leak out. This can happen if there is a hole or crack in the air conditioner. If the refrigerant leaks out, it will not be able to cool the air properly.
Another problem that can occur is that the refrigerant can become dirty. This can happen if the air conditioner is not used for a long period of time.
If you think that there is a problem with the refrigerant, you will need to have a professional take a look at it.
- Thermostat Issues
If your air conditioner is not properly calibrated, it can have issues with the thermostat. This can cause the air conditioner to either cycle on and off more frequently than it should or to not cycle on at all. Both issues can lead to higher energy bills and an uncomfortable home.
If you’re having trouble with your air conditioner, it’s a good idea to check the thermostat first. If the thermostat is set too low, simply raise it to a higher temperature. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the thermostat.
While these are some of the most common problems that can occur during air conditioning installation, they’re certainly not the only ones. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced and reputable AC installer who can help ensure that your unit is installed correctly and safely.
