Here at Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing, we believe that installing a high-efficiency air conditioner is one of the best investments you can make in your home. But did you know that the efficiency of your new air conditioner is only as good as the quality of its installation? Today we’re going to talk about how the various aspects of an air conditioner installation relate directly to the efficiency of your system!
An air conditioner’s SEER rating assumes that the installation is done properly
Every air conditioner comes with a SEER rating that describes the potential efficiency of the system. This number, however, assumes that the air conditioner is installed the right way. If you work with a low-quality contractor for your air conditioner installation, your new system might operate much less efficiently than advertised. So even if you spend more money on a high-efficiency air conditioner, you won’t benefit from lower cooling bills if your system is not installed properly.
Aspects of an air conditioner installation that affect your system’s efficiency
- Are all the parts installed properly? An air conditioner is made up of many different parts that must be installed properly to effectively and efficiently cool your home. A well-trained and NATE-certified installer like the ones at Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing will have the knowledge and experience to install your system the right way. If any of your system’s parts are not correctly installed, your air conditioner will operate less efficiently.
- Is the air conditioner the right size? Before an air conditioner installation even begins, detailed measurements must be taken of your home to determine what size air conditioner you need. If the system that’s installed is too big or too small for your home’s dimensions and specifications, your A/C will suffer from major efficiency issues.
- Was the right amount of refrigerant added? A new air conditioner should be charged with the right amount of refrigerant for that specific model. Without enough refrigerant, your air conditioner will not be able to efficiently remove heat from your home.
- Was the system tested for proper airflow? After your system is installed, your contractor should test to ensure that your air conditioner produces proper airflow to every room in your home. If cool air is not distributed properly, your home will be uncomfortable and your air conditioner will have to work harder to compensate.
- Is the thermostat installed in a good location? There are many things to consider when choosing where to install your thermostat, which you can read more about here. If your thermostat reads temperatures that are warmer than the actual temperature of your home, it will force your air conditioner to have longer cooling cycles and consume more energy.
If you have any questions about the relationship between a quality air conditioner installation and your system’s efficiency, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing, your St. Charles, MO, air conditioning contractor. We service the St. Louis area, including towns like Ladue, Lake St. Louis, and Manchester, MO.