Air conditioners are life-enhancing machines. They keep the home at a comfortable temperature and let you forget about the heat outside. With the increase in the lengths of summer, installing an AC has never been more necessary. Big Bear air conditioning experts possess decades of experience at how to install air conditioning, but also want to give you tips and guidance.
You will learn about types of air conditioners and how to install each. You will also become familiar with what Big Bear air conditioning experts do before and during installation. Read on to learn more.
Types of Air Conditioning
Air conditioners are of different types; the way each is installed is also different. More often than not, your home will determine the type you end up getting. Big Bear air conditioning experts look at factors such as the size of your home, housing type, and family size to provide the best advice. That said, here are the different types of air conditioners and where they suit best.
Central Air Conditioner
This air conditioner type is one of the most common. Big Bear has found them well adapted to large-sized houses with multiple rooms. Central air conditioners operate using a system of ducts that run through your house. They are also called split system air conditioners because of their two-unit design.
In a central air or split system, one part of the model is placed outdoors. This external section contains the condenser and the compressor. The other one, which is indoors, holds the evaporator coils. Central air systems use refrigerants to remove heat from your space and replace it with cool air.
With them, though, there is a strong chance of getting high energy bills. They also tend to be less efficient if any problems arise in any of the ducts. On the upside, they handle the circulation of cool air pretty well. You get cool rooms in your house at the same time without worry.
To cut down the high bills, Big Bear air conditioning experts recommend programmable thermostats. These help you to smartly regulate energy consumption in your home. In addition, they are a modern way to use HVAC systems.
Ductless Mini-split
This type is an excellent choice if you want to avoid ducts. Unlike their central air counterpart, ductless mini-splits are more energy-efficient. You can cool parts of your home purely on a needs basis.
The mini-split comprises an outdoor unit with either one or more indoor units to go with it. The indoor components are fitted with air blowers to regulate temperature. Each one of these units is linked outdoors with tubes. The tubes supply refrigerants based on what is needed in each room.
The issue with mini-splits is their multiple nature. Although they are built in small sizes, they also have to be installed in many different rooms. This can be quite expensive. You also may not like that they are visible for all to see. In any case, they can be smartly regulated using your mobile phone or a remote.
Portable Air Conditioners
These are mobile, small-sized air conditioners. They are ideal for rooms, bathrooms, and other small spaces. The portable air conditioner has components that are enclosed in one standalone unit. So long as you have a power outlet to operate it and a window for it to expel air, you can move it to any room you want.
Portable air conditioners come in single and double-hose variants. The single-hose model takes air from inside and sends it outside through the same channel. On the other hand, the double-hose takes air from the exterior with one hose and expels with the other. Portable ACs can only power a room, a small one, at a time. But they are pretty easy to set up, are highly mobile, and provide easy storage.
Floor Mounted Air Conditioners
These are ideal if you are very particular about air quality. Floor-mounted air conditioners have the unique advantage of accessibility. They are mounted so that you can easily check their air filters. With this access, you can screen the condition of the filtration system and make necessary adjustments.
Similarly, this AC type is also suited to houses built with delicate materials like glass. If you want to avoid the hassle of ducts, this is ideal as well. In addition, floor-mounted air conditioners are a fine alternative to mini-splits. You can go for them if you don’t have space on your wall for ductless units. Indoor components of this model are placed six inches above the floor.
Something you might want to note, though, is that obstacles can hinder airflow. In addition, circulation can fluctuate if there isn’t space as it requires. Big Bear air conditioning experts can provide you with experience-based ideas for arranging your interior.
Window Air Conditioner
Window air conditioners are single-unit models. As the name implies, they are installed in a window or a hole cut in the wall. Controls are mounted on these ACs to regulate heat or cold. The interior end supplies your space with air while the exterior expels the heat. Air filters which you will find outside need to be cleaned regularly for maximum AC efficiency.
Window air conditioners are of different sizes. Each one depends on the place you need it for. Generally, Big Bear air conditioning experts recommend them for small living spaces. If you get a large-sized one, though, you will be able to cool a greater amount of space. With easy installation, maintenance and cost-effectiveness, they might just be great for you.
Common disadvantages of window ACs are the noise and obstruction of windows. Additionally, not all windows are suitable for installing this model.
How to Install Air Conditioners
Below are the installation methods of some commonly used air conditioners. You will also be acquainted with some of what our experts at Big Bear do through this.
Central Air Conditioner
The first part of the procedure is to select a good spot for the installation. This has to be somewhere you can connect the indoor unit to the outdoor component. The location also has to be out of reach of direct sunlight. Afterward, mount the unit at the height of 2.1 meters or 7 feet off the floor. Make sure that there is about 12cm of free space around the unit to allow air to flow.
Next, you need to fasten the mounting plate to the selected area. Check with a level to ensure that it is even on all sides. Once you have done this, indicate the spots where the screws will go with a pencil. Remove the plate, drill holes into the pre-identified spots. Now you can place the plate against the wall, securing it with tapping screws.
It does not end here; you also have to drill appropriate holes through the walls. This hole has to run through the center of the mounting plate in a downward slope. The angle is important for drainage purposes. After you have done this, you need to check the cable connections in the AC unit. Ensure the wires inside are linked, as shown in the accompanying diagram.
After your verification, it is now time to run the cables. Join the copper pipes, drain pipe, power cable using tape. Do this such that the drainpipe is under the rest. From here, you can plug the cords into their spots on the indoor unit. Don’t forget to look at the manual as you do this.
To protect the efficiency of your system, try to avoid bending the cables too much. You also don’t need to be concerned with insulation. The cables come with a lot of their own insulation already.
Finally, you can attach the indoor unit to the mounting plate. To do this, make sure the connection points on the unit match with those on the plate. Then, press the unit into place. Don’t forget that water also has to drain properly. So, tilt the system backward by about 3 degrees, so water runs smoothly into the drain pipe.
The outdoor component needs to have a lot of space around it. First, ensure that it is away from hot or congested spots. Also, use a concrete pad to avoid damage from bare soil. Its location should have good shade for optimum performance. Additionally, avoid putting it close to radio or television antennas.
These can interfere with the operations of the system. Some of the installation procedures of this component are similar to that of the indoor unit.
For the closing phase, all that is left is to secure the pipes that run between both units. Block whatever holes around the pipes with polyurethane foam to prevent heat or insects from getting in. You can reach out to Big Bear air conditioning experts for professional delivery of the project.
Window Air Conditioner
The first part of the installation procedure is to find an adequate window. You can find instructions on the kind of window in the manufacturer’s statement. Generally, producers design these ACs to fit into double-hung windows. Some can also be attached to sliding windows and others in swing-out casements.
Big Bear air conditioning experts measure the window before advising you on the unit to buy. This is so that it can fit. Energy Efficiency is another factor that you may be keen to consider. For a window AC, its EER is between eight and twelve.
On installation, start by acquainting yourself with the manual. Big Bear professionals work in a team of two for lifting purposes. Window AC units will typically have mounting pieces and window extensions. You can also purchase an extra support frame to keep it tight.
Set the unit on the windowsill by raising the lower sash. When you do this, a lot of the weight will dangle out of the window, so keep your hold tight. As you do this, draw the sash until it connects with the top of the unit. This should be right behind the metal flange that crosses this part. In the kit, you will find two metallic brackets that stop the lower sash from getting raised.
Place one end of this bracket on the far left of the lower sash. Screw it into the upper sash using a drill. Do the same thing for the right side of the lower sash. When you do this, your unit is secured into position.
Afterward, secure the two extensions to each side of the unit. Ensure you pull them out to seal the space to either side of the system. Next, screw the mounting flange of both extensions to the window jamb. After, stuff the foam-rubber into the space on the top side of the lower sash to block off heat and insects.
A way to know if you have done this well is the slight tip to the outside. This means that moisture will fall outside, not inside your room. Big Bear air conditioning experts will provide excellent installation of your Window AC.
Reach Out to Bear Valley for Air Conditioning Installation
AC installation methods will vary by type. Smaller-sized, less intensive models can be done individually, while bigger ones can be complex to execute. Hiring a quality-focused service like Big Bear is a way to assure long-term enjoyment. Contact us at Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating for help with how to install air conditioning in your home or workspace.
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Air Conditioning
