Central Air Conditioner Installation in Alexandria, VA 22312

For the terrific majority of homes, central air conditioning installation is complicated and fraught with danger to attempt without professional support. This is owing to the knowledge necessary, the administrative wrangling of approvals and licensing requirements, and the danger of voiding service warranties if the components are installed wrongly.

What do Central Air Conditioners do?

A central air conditioner cools air in one area before dispersing it throughout the residence utilizing the furnace’s air handling capabilities. This sets it apart from window or wall ac system or mini-split systems, which all chill reasonably small locations and need numerous units to cool the entire house.

A lot of single-family houses in the United States with central air use a split system. This implies that the device is divided into two parts: an evaporator coil within a compressor and the house outside.

Central Air Conditioner Installation in Alexandria, VA 22312

Working With Professional Central Air Conditioner Installers in Alexandria, VA

When speaking with specialists, inquire about their method to the task. Likewise, focus on the concerns they ask! An installer should ask clarifying concerns so that your choices and choices are represented in their estimate and completion outcome.

Planning for Central Air Installation in in Alexandria

Installing central air is a big undertaking that requires substantial preparation ahead of time. Demand that your specialist check their procedure and validate that they will manage any needed permits or other crucial paperwork.

Talk about with your contractor just how much you worth energy efficiency above initial expenditure. This is also an exceptional minute to talk about the position of the condenser unit and the type of thermostat you pick.

Sizing for your Central Air Conditioner

Your professional will assist you in figuring out the suitable size central air conditioning conditioner for your house. A system that is too little will run practically constantly, whereas a unit that is too large will chill the home too quickly and turn off before completing a full cycle.

The quick on/off in the latter circumstance is taxing on the system. It can trigger the evaporator coil to freeze, and a frozen coil prevents air from streaming. As a outcome, a big ac system may be less effective at cooling than a smaller system.

Your Air Conditioner installation will do a estimation referred to as a “Manual-J” to determine the very best unit for your house. This will take into account all of the specifications we’ve mentioned and more, leading to the most exact size possible.

However, we understand that lots of homeowners like to have a basic idea of what size they require ahead of time. Here’s a rough estimate of central air conditioner size: To get the Btu needed, increase the square video footage of your home’s conditioned area by 25, then divide by 12,000 to acquire the tonnage.

If you have numerous of those windows, you might need more cooling.

Getting an Estimate for a Central Air Conditioner in Alexandria, VA 22312

professional ought to use you an quote when you’ve discussed the basic strategy and talked about model possibilities. As always, acquire composed price quotes from numerous service providers. The only exception would be if you’re installing a/c in a brand-new house, because the builder will probably handle it.

Do not be hesitant to seek clarifying information or demand expense breakdowns when working with a builder or independent HVAC contractor. Even if the contractor is not able to detail whatever, they need to be prepared to interact adequately to help you feel more at ease with the treatment.

Central Air Conditioner Installation in Alexandria, VA 22312

The Central Air Installation Process

It should take around a day to complete the installation. The major steps are summarized here.

  • Duct work installation or modification
    • Any duct work should be limited in homes with existing furnaces or air conditioning, generally no more than an extra return line.
    • If ducts must be placed, work with your contractor to disguise them in closets or soffits to minimize expensive drywall repairs.
    • Duct work should be done before drywall is put in new construction.
  • Interior unit
    • The evaporator coil is installed within the furnace plenum.
      • The plenum is the part of the furnace on each side of the air handler where air enters and exits the home.
      • The evaporator coil will enter the supply plenum, which serves as the furnace’s “outflow.”
  • Exterior unit
    • Several considerations influence the positioning of the outside unit, including:
      • The distance between the inside unit and the electrical service panel;
      • The levelness of the ground;
      • The proximity of the loud external unit to windows or doors;
      • Distances needed by code from gas or water meters (refer to your local building department for specifics).
  • Connect the line set
    • A pair of copper pipes connects the two parts of a split system, forming the direction the refrigerant will take.
    • The most direct route from the evaporator to the condenser will primarily decide the course of the line set.
      • If you have any issues regarding the route, communicate them to the contractor as soon as possible.
      • To avoid water infiltration, the penetration to the external should be sealed.
  • Connect the Electrical Supply
    • An outside cutoff will be required for the condenser unit.
    • The electrical line will connect the condenser to the shutdown, then to the electrical service panel.
    • If your circuit panel is already overloaded, you may need to update it to withstand the extra demand of the air conditioner.
      • If the project was planned properly, any work on the panel should already be included in the project estimate.
    • There will also be a low-voltage wire connecting the condensing unit to the furnace so it can be controlled by the thermostat.
  • Condensate Drain Line
    • All air conditioners generate condensation, much like the sides of a glass of ice water. That condensation needs to be drained.
    • Units located in a basement typically run to a floor drain.
    • Units located in attics may pipe water outside, or may use a drain pan that allows water to evaporate — the same way refrigerators allow condensation to evaporate.
  • Thermostat
    • When installing central air conditioning in a new home, you must select a thermostat.
    • If you’re retrofitting central air conditioning into an older home, you may need to replace the thermostat with one that can also manage cooling.
    • This is one phase in the process that is ideal for a little do-it-yourself effort.
      • Some homeowners buy a basic thermostat for the installation and subsequently upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat on their own.

How Much Does Central Air Installation Cost?

Prices vary based upon the regional market and the job details, similar to any significant task. For labor and products, a typical split system central air conditioning installation utilizing an existing heater might cost between $3,000 and $7,000 or more. Typically, that expense will be split around 60/40, with labor accounting for most of it.

Bear in mind that you will most likely be paying complete retail rather than getting a commercial discount, so the entire cost of the job may not be cheaper than the contractor’s price quote. You’ll likewise need to perform your own sizing, and you’ll be held accountable if there are any problems with the devices.

eliminate and get rid of of the old system and refrigerant if you’re replacing an existing central air system. When constructing a furnace and a/c system, the expense of each element is regularly lowered, while the general cost of the work is greater.

Central AC Installation in Alexandria, VA 22312

Repair/Retrofit vs New Unit Installation

If boiler replacement is likely within the next few years or if you intend on transitioning to a new home heating system, you might want to give some thought to skipping the boiler retrofit and go right to setting up a brand new energy-efficient, eco-friendly heating system.

Central AC Installation in Alexandria, VA 22312

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Central Air Conditioner Installation in Alexandria, VA

Tel:855-608-3406

Main address: PO Box 553030 Alexandria, VA
United States

Find a Central Air Conditioner specialist for buildings of all types from homes of all sizes to condo complexes, apartment buildings and offices in Alexandria, VA

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Additional HVAC Services in Alexandria Va 22312 Include:

Heating Services

Full-service heating services, new installs and repairs, service all makes and models, fast emergency service.

  • Boilers and Radiators - New Install
  • Boilers and Radiators - Repair
  • Commercial Heat - New Install
  • Commercial Heat - Repair
  • Electric Heat - New Install
  • Electric Heat - Repair
  • Furnaces - New Install
  • Furnaces - Repair
  • Gas Heat - New Install
  • Gas Heat - Repair
  • Geothermal Systems
  • Heat Pumps - New Install
  • Heat Pumps - Repair
  • Heating - New Install
  • Heating - Repair
  • Oil Heat - New Install
  • Oil Heat - Repair
  • Radiant Floor Systems

Air Conditioning Services

Full-service central air conditioning services, new installs, and repairs, service of all makes and models, and fast emergency service.