Mastering the Art of Central Air Installation

Nearly all houses constructed in the U.S. possess
air conditioning
In numerous instances, it is integrated into a heat pump system which utilizes the same heat exchanger for both warming the home during colder months and cooling it in warmer ones. These heat pumps have gained popularity largely due to an incentive provided by the federal government: a tax break aimed at promoting more efficient central air conditioning systems.

Whether you’re considering a
central air
Whether you’re setting up your first central air conditioning system during a new construction project, swapping out an old unit with a newer model, or adapting an older house for the very first time, chances are you have numerous queries. The installation of a brand-new central air conditioner or even just replacing an existing one can be quite significant work; thus, we provide this information as background and guidance to aid in comprehending what lies ahead.

Definitions

Before we begin, let’s review some terminology you should be familiar with.

Central air conditioner

A
central air conditioner
It cools the air in a specific area and utilizes the air distribution system of the furnace to circulate the cooled air around the house. This sets it apart from
window
or
wall air conditioners
For mini-split systems, these cool smaller spaces individually and require several units to cool an entire house.

In the United States, many single-family dwellings equipped with central air conditioning utilize a split system. This type of setup includes two main parts: an evaporator coil located indoors and a compressor placed outdoors.

Heat pumps
Are an alternative type of central air conditioning system. However, for this discussion, we’re concentrating on initiatives that link central air with a furnace. Should you be thinking about opting for a heat pump instead, remember that both the cost estimates and procedures would differ significantly.

Sizing

In conversations about installing central air systems, the term “size” frequently comes up. However, this doesn’t refer to the actual physical size of the AC unit; instead, it indicates the system’s cooling capacity.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts utilize a metric known as a British Thermal Unit (BTU). This term refers to the amount of energy needed to decrease the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Within this field, they often refer to 12,000 BTUs as equalling one “ton.” Therefore, an air conditioner with a capacity of 2.5 tons would have a rating of 30,000 BTUs.

Efficiency

The measure of efficiency for an air conditioning unit is known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Units with higher SEER ratings tend to be more efficient, often due to features such as a two-stage compressor and variable-speed fan operation. Both these elements ensure that during cooler temperatures, the system consumes reduced amounts of electricity.

Can You Install Central Air Conditioning Yourself?

At Family Handyman, we strongly support the DIY mindset. However, we understand that certain tasks ought to be handled solely by experts or those who have substantial prior experience in DIY endeavors.

For most homeowners,
central air installation
Involving numerous specialized abilities and bearing a significant potential for failure, attempting such work without professional assistance isn’t advisable. As HVAC specialist Tim David articulates, “While theoretically feasible for a homeowner to undertake replacing an HVAC unit independently, my recommendation leans against doing so due to the intricate nature of these systems, which necessitate proper permits and specific equipment as well as pose inherent risks.” He further emphasizes that improper setup could lead to subpar operation, inflated utility costs, along with threats to personal safety within households. Additionally, he mentions that most makers of HVAC components stipulate that only certified professionals should install them; otherwise, warranties become voidable.

If you’re inclined towards doing-it-yourself projects, you might want to tackle some tasks personally; however, David advises that this could end up costing more because of “errors, potential safety risks, and the necessity to employ an expert for resolving any complications.” Additionally, dealing with refrigerants must be handled by someone certified, and in certain areas, connecting the wiring to the main panel should only be done by a qualified electrician.

Collaborating with Expert HVAC Installers

While conversing with contractors, pose inquiries to understand their strategy for tackling the project. Also, keep an eye on the queries they direct at you! A competent installer ought to seek clarification so that your selections and inclinations can be accurately incorporated into both their cost estimation and the final outcome.

Planning

Installing central air conditioning is a significant undertaking, so it’s important to dedicate sufficient time to planning. Have your contractor walk you through their procedure and confirm that they will manage all necessary permits and crucial documentation.

Discuss with your contractor the extent of priority you place on various aspects.
energy efficiency
as opposed to the initial expense. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss the placement of the
condenser unit
and what
kind of thermostat
you’d like.

Sizing

Your contractor can assist in determining the appropriate dimensions.
central air
Conditioning agent for your home is crucial since an undersized unit will operate continually, whereas an oversized one will cool the space rapidly and turn off before finishing a complete cooling cycle.

In this case, frequent cycling between on and off states puts stress on the system. This can lead to the evaporator coil freezing up, which prevents proper airflow. Consequently, an air conditioning unit that is too large might not cool as efficiently as one that is appropriately sized due to these issues.

To figure out the appropriate unit for your home, your HVAC installer will conduct a calculation known as a “
Manual-J
This will encompass all the elements we’ve covered and additional ones, providing the most precise measurement available.

Nevertheless, we understand that numerous homeowners seek a general sense of the appropriate size needed beforehand. Therefore, here’s a simplified method for estimating the capacity of a central air conditioning system: Take the total area of your home’s cooled spaces in square feet and multiply it by 25 to determine the necessary BTUs. Next, divide this figure by 12,000 to convert it into tons.

Keep in mind, however, this is merely an approximate calculation, with numerous factors involved. Should the ground level of your residence feature 12-foot-high ceilings, the air conditioning system will need to manage cooling a larger volume of air. Additionally, if you possess multiple areas that require cooling, the load on the AC increases significantly.
southern-exposure windows
, they will have to contend with more sunlight and natural warmth.

Estimates

After reviewing the fundamental plan and discussing various model choices with the contractor, they ought to provide you with an estimate. It’s standard practice to obtain written estimates from several suppliers. However, this might not apply when installing air conditioning into
new build
as your builder probably will take care of it.

When working with either a builder or an independent HVAC contractor, feel free to ask detailed questions or seek breakdowns of expenses. Although the contractor might not be able to list every single cost, they ought to provide sufficient communication to help you feel at ease with the procedure.

The Procedure for Installing Central Air Conditioning

The installation should take about a day to complete. Below is a summary of the main steps.

• 
  Duct work installation
  or modification
  
  • For houses that already have furnaces or air conditioners, the required ductwork typically needs to be minor, often limited to just one extra return line.
  • If installation of ducts is necessary, collaborate with your contractor to conceal them within closets or soffits, thus avoiding extensive renovations.
    drywall repairs
    .
  • For newly constructed buildings, the ductwork installation should occur prior to setting up the drywall.

• 
  Interior unit
  
  • The evaporator coil is installed within the furnace plenum.
    • The plenum is the
      section of the furnace
      On both sides of the air handler, where air enters and exits to circulate throughout the home.
    • The evaporator coil will be installed in the supply plenum, essentially acting as the “outlet” for air from the furnace.

• 
  Exterior unit
  
  • The positioning of the external component is influenced by several elements, such as:
    • The distance to the internal unit and the electrical service panel;
    • The flatness of the terrain;
    • How near the loud external component will be to windows or entrances?
    • Distances mandated by code for gas or water meters should be checked with your local building authority for precise requirements.

• 
  Connect the line set
  
  • The two sections of a split system are linked via a duo of copper tubes that create the conduit for the refrigerant flow.
    refrigerant
    will cycle through.
  • The course of the line set will mainly be dictated by the shortest path between the evaporator and the condenser.
    • Should you have any reservations regarding the route, address them with the contractor at the earliest stage of the process as feasible.
    • The entry point at the outside needs to be sealed off to stop water from getting in.

• 
  Connect the Electrical Supply
  
  • An external shutoff needs to be installed for the condenser unit.
  • The electric line will extend from the condenser to the shut-off valve, and then continue from the shut-off valve to the electrical service panel.
  • If your
    circuit panel
    It has reached its maximum capacity, so you might have to upgrade it to manage the extra demand from the air conditioner.
    • Should the project have been planned correctly, all tasks related to the panel ought to be encompassed within the initial cost estimation of the project.
  • A low-voltage cable will also link the condensing unit to the furnace, allowing it to be regulated by the thermostat.

• 
  Condensate Drain Line
  
  • All air conditioners
    Generate condensation similar to what forms on the outside of a glass filled with iced water. This condensation must then be drained.
  • Units situated in a basement usually connect to a floor drain.
  • Attic-installed units can channel water outdoors directly, or they might employ a drain pan permitting evaporation—similar to how fridges manage condensate evaporation.

• 
  Thermostat
  
  • When you’re setting up central air conditioning in a newly constructed home, selecting a suitable thermostat becomes necessary.
  • When adding central air conditioning to your current house, consider upgrading the thermostat so it can manage both heating and cooling functions.
  • This is one stage of the procedure where you can easily put some DIY effort into it.
    • Certain homeowners opt for a basic thermostat during installation and later switch to a programmable one.
      smart thermostat
      on their own.

What Is the Price of Installing Central Air Conditioning?

Similar to big projects, pricing can fluctuate based on your local market conditions and specific job requirements. Usually, setting up a standard split-system central air conditioner alongside an existing furnace might range from $3,000 to $5,500 including both labor and supplies. Typically, this expense breaks down roughly at a 60% labor to 40% material ratio. Regarding the installation of a heat pump system, David estimates costs ranging from approximately $5,000 to $8,000.

You can buy the air conditioning unit independently and hire an HVAC specialist just for installation. However, remember that you might end up paying standard prices rather than bulk rates, which could make the total expense similar to what a contractor would quote. Additionally, you’ll need to handle determining the appropriate size yourself, bearing all responsibilities should anything go wrong with the device.

If you’re replacing an existing central air conditioning system, be prepared for extra costs to remove and properly discard the old unit and refrigerant, typically ranging from $150 to $200.
installing a furnace
And with central air conditioning, the cost for each part might come at a reduced rate; however, the total expense for the project will generally be greater.

Conclusion

Setting up a central air conditioning system is an excellent method to
increase the worth of your property
while maintaining a comfortable environment for you and your loved ones. It’s a complicated installation, but hopefully this overview helps you understand the process.

Feel free to inquire with your installer throughout the process to ensure that your central air conditioning installation proceeds as seamlessly as possible!

About the Expert

• 
  Tim David
  
  is a former HVAC technician who has spent 25 years in the field and holds several certifications in air purification systems. He operates an HVAC advisory website.
  AirLucent.com
  .