What to Expect During an AC Installation Service

If you have never needed an air conditioner (AC) replacement service, the process may seem confusing—and, for those who have done some research, a little overwhelming. Air conditioning systems are made up of a complex network of parts, and removing and installing them correctly takes time, precision and skill. Additionally, choosing a central AC unit is an involved process, and deciding on the wrong model can have consequences including temperature fluctuations and increased utility bills.

When you work with a reputable heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company like Optimum Air Solutions, you have no reason to be anxious. Our team of expert technicians has spent over 20 years faithfully serving our New Orleans community, with services ranging from AC unit installation to maintenance and repairs. When you leave your unit in our capable hands, you can trust that we’ll do everything possible to keep your home cool, comfortable and safe, no matter your budget or the time of year. 

Preparing for the Removal and Replacement of Your AC Unit

No central AC installation service starts with a team showing up and getting straight to work. There are steps which need to be taken before the AC removal and installation can begin, including:

Choosing the right HVAC maintenance company

The best technicians, like our team at Optimum Air Solutions, are experts in both heating and cooling systems, making us the perfect fit for any job. 

Consultation

Discuss estimated prices for the removal of the old unit and the purchase and installation of the new one, as well as factors such as project duration and post-installation cleanup. Consider having this estimate written down and signed so you have it as an extra measure of security, should anything go wrong. 

Property assessment

During this step, technicians will assess your current central AC unit, as well as factors including your budget, the size of your space and what you need from your cooling system. This will allow them to make a plan for installation day and help you determine the best model for your property. 

Preparation

Technicians will gather any specialized equipment they need, file the necessary permits, and assist in preparing your home. While technicians should take care of things like laying drop cloths to catch debris, there are a few tasks you can handle as well, including:

• Making sure that any fragile items near the installation sites are moved away
• Keeping pets and children away from the technicians while they work for their own safety
• Ensuring that nearby furniture is covered or moved 

Understanding the Air Conditioning Installation Process

Once the prep work is done to the satisfaction of both you and your technicians, it is time for the air conditioning installation process to begin. While AC unit installations may look different depending on the model, situation or company, the process of installing a central air system will generally include:

Removal of your current air conditioner

The power to your AC system will be cut off, and the refrigerant—and likely the refrigerant lines as well—will be safely removed and discarded. If your evaporator coil is attached to your furnace, it will also be disconnected. Then, the outdoor unit—and, if you have a split system, potentially your indoor furnace or air handler—will be removed. 

Prior to the installation, technicians should also examine your AC system in order to determine if any repairs or replacements are necessary for sections such as ductwork. If so, these components will be removed as well. 

Preparing the installation site for your new system

Any dirt or debris will be cleared to ensure that no particulates will get into your new unit during installation. If you have an existing condenser pad—that is, a flat, stable platform that outdoor units are installed on top of—it will likely be taken away. The ground will be leveled, if possible, and the pad replaced in preparation for the installation of your new outdoor AC. 

Installing your new AC unit

Before installing your new unit, you need to determine where it will go. While AC units should be accessible in order to make maintenance easier, they should not be obstructive or in a place where they may quickly overheat or collect debris. Once you have the location set, the outdoor unit and any indoor components are put in place, and wiring, ductwork and new refrigerant and refrigerant lines are installed and connected. 

System testing and cleanup

Once the power is turned back on, the system and its connection to your thermostat will be checked and calibrated to ensure everything is working properly. Then, the area will be cleaned up, and your technicians will walk you through your new system as well as answer any questions you may have.

Costs and Timelines of AC Installation Services

The timeline of your AC removal and installation depends on the scope of the project. Central AC units, properties with an expansive network of ducts, and systems that need repairs or additional replacements are all factors which can increase how long your AC installation service takes. In general, however, an AC removal and replacement may take from 4 hours to nearly 10 hours, while replacing most or all of your current system could take a day or more. 

The cost of purchasing and installing your new unit may have a similarly wide range, with simple packaged or split-system installations potentially costing around $5,000 at minimum. More extensive repairs and installations, on the other hand, may run up to around $10,000 or $15,000. 

Contact Optimum Air Solutions for Quality AC Maintenance, Repairs and Replacements Today

For many property owners, getting a new air conditioner installed can be an uncertain and stressful process. There are a number of steps which need to be taken, and an inexperienced or careless contractor can ruin your whole system. Additionally, the more issues which are found in components which may normally stay in place during AC unit installations, such as ductwork or furnaces, the more expensive this project may become. 

When you work with a skilled and reputable HVAC company like Optimum Air Solutions, you will not be going into your AC installation project alone or uninformed. Our team is here to not only keep your heating and cooling systems functional and energy-efficient, but also to ensure that we are meeting your needs, from system preferences to requests for information. So if you are looking for a system change or need to replace your current AC unit due to age or damage, Click Here Contact Optimum Air Solutions today.