Why do you need to take extra care in installing an AC unit during the summer? The reason is simple: an AC unit pulls indoor heat and releases it outdoors while supplying your room with cooler air. When heat is intense, the unit will work twice as hard to cool the air.
We don’t recommend installing AC units on your own. For this process, you need the help of professionals. You can click here for one good example of a service you can trust. That said, while you shouldn’t install an AC unit on your own, there are several tips that will help you prepare for the project.
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Ac Installation Tips During Summer
The following tips and tricks will guarantee a smooth and seamless AC installation process despite the raging heat:
Get the Right Size
When shopping for an AC unit, it is important to consider the size you need. Window units have been designed with a certain amount of air space. So you cannot get something that is too small or too big.
Generally, each square foot requires 20 British Thermal Units (BTUs). Tack on an extra 600 BTU for each person expected to occupy the room regularly. You might also have to increase that figure by as much as 10 percent if the room gets a lot of sunlight or boasts high ceilings.
It is best to measure the room and tell the store assistant about it. They can give you the right size of AC depending on the type and where you intend to get it installed.
Pick the Right Position
It should be your priority to clear at least two feet of space around your AC unit. You should not place it somewhere enclosed either.
Ensure that the three sides of the unit are open because airflow blockage can lead to higher pressure within the unit. This will result in the AC machine overworking and running inefficiently. Assess the area before deciding the best spot to install the unit.
Seal Up Air Leaks
It is important to mount window AC units in a closed window. If this is not possible, you must connect it to a hose leading outside the house. Before installation, make sure to seal up leaks no matter how small they are.
You have to seal all leak sources, including chimneys, doors, and windows. Once the unit has been installed, make sure to avoid opening the windows and doors, especially when it is hot. This way, you can avoid pulling the hot air back into the room.
Add Window Film
You might want to add window film to insulate the windows. This will keep the house cooler during the summer months and warmer once winter rolls in.
It is a win-win situation. You will benefit more if you accomplish this before installation. This will maximize the cooling effect of the air conditioner once installed.
Set Up a Fan Too
People prefer to rely on fans when it is warm and only use the AC when it is hot. Keep in mind that the two appliances work independently but perform better when used together.
The AC unit will release cool air, and the fan will spread cold air all over the room. Make sure to place the fan in front of the window AC or around the vents if you have a central unit.
The fan will become handy, especially when the weather is too hot. It will also help the AC make the room colder without overworking its machine.
Plan Your Landscaping
Fallen leaves, overgrown landscaping, and debris may impede airflow in and out of the AC unit. Dirt and dust can also strain the AC unit. Rearrange furniture and household items that might block the vents and prevent the air from circulating well.
Ideally, you should also plan the landscaping and arrangement of the installation area to guarantee that none of these things will impede the airflow. On top of that, a properly landscaped area will allow your technician better access to the unit if you ever need to get something fixed.
Place a Shade Over the Condenser
This might sound simple, but it works very well. All you need to do is to add a shade of some kind for the condenser. It is especially effective if your AC’s condenser is in direct sunlight.
Remove Sources of Heat
To get the most out of your new AC, you should optimize the area around it. This includes keeping devices that produce heat away from the thermostat.
Doing this will prevent the thermostat from assuming it is hotter in the room than it is. Keeping stoves, clothes dryers, and ovens away from the space with the new AC unit will do you a lot of good.
Do Not Keep It on the Whole Time
After installation, it boils down to maintenance. Do you have to step outside the house for a couple of hours in the middle of the summer?
If you will only be gone for a few minutes, then it is best to leave the unit on. This way, it won’t overwork its machine in cooling the room again once you return.
However, turning it off is recommended if you’d be gone for hours. It will only be a waste to leave it running without anybody in the house. This way, it will consume less energy, which means a lesser amount to pay your energy bills.
Conclusion
It is best to install your AC unit before the heat intensifies during summer. It can get too uncomfortable to install the unit when all you want to do is go under the shower or have a bath to cool off.
If you can’t install your AC due to a lack of tools or even knowledge of how to do it, it’s best to hand the task to the pros. You can call the nearest HVAC services near you and discuss what brand and model you have and where you want to have it installed.