Common Mistakes to Avoid During Central Air Installation

In Phoenix, Arizona, air conditioning is more than just comfort.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Phoenix can exceed 100 degrees for weeks at a time.

You simply can’t afford to live without AC.

But, if you have a poorly installed AC, you might not be able to afford it either.

An inefficient AC system will raise your utility bills and may not even cool your home properly.

To stay cool in the Arizona heat, you need to avoid the most common air conditioning mistakes.

Read on to learn some of the most common central air installation errors.

Choosing the Wrong Size Unit

One of the most common air conditioning mistakes is installing a unit that’s an inappropriate size.

You might get away with incorrect sizing in a more temperate state like Vermont, as the mild climate makes the inefficiency less noticeable.

But in Arizona, you’ll certainly feel it–in both your bank account and your body!

To ensure your AC unit isn’t too big or too small, you’ll need to perform a Manual J Load Calculation.

This accounts for factors like insulation levels, the size of your home, and the local climate.

Any local contractor will be well-versed in crunching these numbers.

Neglecting Ductwork Inspection and Maintenance

According to Energy Star, poor central air installation can cause your AC unit to waste up to 30% of its cool air.

It’s possible to significantly lower this percentage with proper care and maintenance, but sometimes, it’s just a bad installation.

Badly executed ductwork won’t just cost you cool air; it’ll also push up your utility bill.

Essentially, you’re paying 30% more for less comfort.

Clearly, this is one of the big installation errors to avoid.

The U.S. Department of Energy says that you can often fix duct problems by sealing and insulating your ducts.

There’s no reason to accept this kind of inefficiency.

Improper Placement of the Outdoor Unit

Too often, you’ll see outdoor AC units shoved in a poorly ventilated corner, or even worse-sitting in direct sunlight.

If this sounds familiar, you could be making your unit work unnecessarily hard.

Not only will you face higher utility costs, but you’ll also significantly lower the lifespan of your AC unit.

Of course, in Arizona, where the temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees, the risk of overheating is much higher.

In Phoenix, incorrectly placed units usually don’t last too long.

Your AC system is a serious investment.

You shouldn’t jeopardize your investment with something as basic as improper placement.

By moving your unit to a shaded area with good ventilation, you’ll save money and extend the life of your unit.

If you’re unsure about placement, don’t take any chances.

Consult a pro and figure out the optimal location for your unit.

You might be surprised at what a difference it makes to move your unit just a few feet.

Ignoring Proper Insulation and Sealing

When installing your AC unit, you might not feel like insulation and sealing is a top priority.

Many local homeowners feel the same, but they underestimate the importance of good insulation.

Sometimes, this is because they focus more on the obvious short-term costs, like the price of the AC unit itself.

Or they’re simply not aware of the key role insulation plays in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

They might associate insulation with colder states, wrongly assuming that insulation isn’t important in a hot state like Phoenix.

In reality, improving your home’s insulation will almost always make a notable difference.

You’ll see significantly lower energy bills, and you’ll feel the cooler air immediately.

If you think your AC unit isn’t working as well as it should, it could be time to take another look at your insulation.

Skipping Professional Installation

Despite living in a city where temperatures regularly rival those of Death Valley, many local homeowners still try to save a few bucks by installing their own AC unit.

No serious central air installation guide would ever recommend this approach, and for good reason.

A DIY installation will always have inefficiencies and flaws, and that means increased utility bills.

Over time, your savings evaporate.

Eventually, a scorching 110-degree day will come around, and your AC unit won’t be able to keep up.

Your unit breaks down, and because you installed the unit incorrectly, the warranty is null and void.

As you can see, trying to save on AC installation by doing it yourself just doesn’t make sense.

Out in the cooler states along the East Coast, DIY is a poor decision, but here in Arizona, it’s an incredibly bad idea.

By all means, try your luck with DIY carpentry, painting, or interior decorating, but leave something as crucial as AC to the pros.

Overlooking Routine Maintenance Post-Installation

Another one of the big installation errors to avoid is forgetting about maintenance.

Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your home cool and your utility bills low, but many Phoenix homeowners keep putting it off.

Again, living in Arizona means the strain on your AC system is much higher than average.

Your AC system is probably working overtime during the summer, and keeping your home cool in 110-degree heat causes a lot of wear and tear.

If you’re following the advice in the previous section, you’ll have the opportunity to schedule bi-annual check-ups with the contractor doing the installation.

By scheduling these checks, you’ll likely catch problems early.

According to IBM, preventive maintenance of systems is almost always more affordable than doing emergency repairs, and it significantly reduces the chance of breakdowns.

Maximize Your Comfort and Efficiency with Professional Central Air Installation

Attempting to work on your own AC unit is always a mistake, but here in Phoenix, it’s dangerous.

If you want to avoid utility bills as high as the temperatures, your central air installation should be done by a professional.

Here at Mark Daniels Air Conditioning, we understand how crucial a well-functioning AC system is.

That’s why we pride ourselves in getting the job done right the first time.

If you want to stay cool, save money, and avoid unexpected breakdowns, contact us and schedule a professional installation.

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Looking for an Air Conditioner Repair Specialist in Apache Junction?
Contact Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating for top-notch air conditioning services tailored to your specific needs. Schedule your service online or call us at (480) 571-7219 today!