What Does an Air Conditioning Installation Entail for Your Home?

August 05, 2024

If you are considering a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation for your Fredericksburg, Virginia, home, you may want to know what is involved. The complexity and price of a new AC installation depend on the type of system you choose. Your contractor can help you select a system that works for your budget and indoor comfort needs.

Types of Installations

There are several types of HVAC systems available:

• Split systems usually include a furnace and an air conditioner. Conditioned air is blown through ducts.
• Ductless mini-splits provide conditioned air to areas not connected to ducts.
• Heat pumps heat and cool by reversing the flow of refrigerant. They work with both ducted and ductless systems.

Components of an AC Installation

Both ductless and ducted systems have indoor and outdoor components. The outdoor unit contains the compressor, condenser coil and fans. This unit is usually placed on a slab near an outside wall of the building.

The inside component of traditional split HVAC systems includes a furnace, air handler and evaporator coil, usually situated in a basement or closet. Heat pumps have an indoor evaporator coil but not a furnace. A thermostat regulates temperature for the entire system.

If you already have a forced-air system, your contractor should evaluate the ductwork to make sure it will support the new unit. If you are installing a new ducted system, your contractor will recommend the best place to situate ducts. Placing ducts within the living space instead of an attic or basement saves energy and makes installation easier.

With ductless units, individual blower cassettes are installed in rooms or zones. Each connects to the outside condenser by a conduit containing refrigerant, wiring and condensate lines. The conduit is routed through a small hole drilled through a wall. Each indoor cassette has its own temperature controls. Installation can be done in one day with minimal disruption.

No matter which AC installation you choose, use a contractor that pays strict attention to load and sizing. Sizing affects comfort, reliability and energy efficiency. Total Comfort uses industry standards to calculate load and size for your new installation.

For more information about installing a new air conditioner in your Fredericksburg home or business, contact Total Comfort today.