Do your reseach before you call a contractor

It helps to know your plans for A/C installation before calling up a HVAC contractor to work on your project. The knowledge that you have will help your service provider give you a more precise estimate. One thing in particular that you should be aware of is whether you are replacing a new system or tying into an existing system. If you are tying into an existing system, you will want to use the same brand as the older system. Completely replacing your system will require much more labor and be more expensive.

Often time's, homeowners will need central air conditioning installed due to an addition or remodeling project. It is important for you to explain to your HVAC contractor whether an addition or remodel is in process because it will help them size up your air conditioning needs and give you a more accurate estimate. This information is important because a house's structure, window area, sun exposure, and climate will affect your central air conditioning needs.

In addition to what is mentioned above, you should also know a little bit about how central air conditioner's cooling capacity is rated. You should become familiar with Btu's (British thermal units). Central air conditioner's cooling capacity is rated by Btu's per hour. As a general rule, you need 12,000 Btu's for 1,000 square feet of well insulated space or 400 square feet of poorly insulated space. The rule changes if you have high ceilings because it will take more cooling power to maintain a comfortable temperature.

When it comes time to decide whether to repair or replace your central cooling system, think carefully. In the last decade, air conditioners have become very energy efficient. More often than not, it is best to just replace your old system because you will end up saving more money that way. Also, if your HVAC professional is tying into an existing system, the older system's age will help determine its compatibility with the newer system and this may lead to some problems.

Lastly, it is very useful to know how much open access is available. Once again, this information will help your HVAC professional give you a more precise estimate. This is true because there is less labor involved when there is plenty of access space. During installation your service professional will be required to access the home's heating and cooling duct system. It helps when there is space to do so.

Before calling your HVAC professional, you may want to try some helpful tips. Common problems are related to the fuse and breaker, the refrigerant, the condenser coils, the drain pipe and the filter. Make sure to check the fuse and breaker, check to see if the refrigerant is low, check to see if the condenser coils are dirty, check to make sure the condenser is clean, check to see if the filter is clean and check to make sure the drainpipe isn't clogged. You can fix most of these things yourself, but if your refrigerant is low you will need to call in a professional.