Make Sure your System is Installed Correctly

Over half of the HVAC systems in the U.S. are not properly installed. As a result, they aren’t performing to their rated efficiency, and are more likely to suffer from breakdowns and costly repairs down the line. When it comes to getting the most comfort and energy savings out of your system, a quality installation is key. So, homeowners need to know what distinguishes a professional job from one that’s going to cause future problems. When it comes to installation, there are many points to look at, including:

* Proper sizing- Bigger is not better when it comes to your heating and cooling system. A system that’s sized too large will cycle on and off too much, leading to poor performance, early equipment failure and less comfort. Your contractor should do a load calculation to determine what size components are right for your home.

* Duct sealing- About 20% of your conditioned air is lost to leaky ducts. During installation, ducts should be properly sealed with tape or mastic, and all kinks should be eliminated for proper air flow.

Refrigerant charge- Over 60% of air conditioning systems are incorrectly charged at the time of installation. This leads to reduced life for system components and poor performance.

* Air flow- Your contractor should test for proper air flow through your system. Too much or too little air flow could result in higher energy bills as your system has to work harder to keep your rooms comfortable.

It’s also a good idea to have a checklist of important points for your contractor to cover during the installation:

1.Equipment has adequate space around it for maintenance.
2.Proper air flow is tested and verified.
3.Programmable thermostat is set and tested, and instructions for use are provided.
4.Instructions for changing filters are provided.
5.Furnace or boiler is tested for proper venting and burner operation.
6.Refrigerant levels in A/C units are checked and at the proper level.
7.Outside condenser unit is placed in a protected area.
8.Certificate for energy tax credit is provided, if applicable.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has a Quality Installation Specification available online that contains important guidelines for homeowners and contractors, so check it out for more details. A professional, quality installation job gives you years of comfort and energy efficiency, so make sure your contractor does it right the first time.