Central Air Conditioner Installation in Pittsburgh, PA 15206

For the terrific majority of homes, central air installation is laden and too complex with threat to attempt without skilled support. This is owing to the proficiency needed, the governmental wrangling of permissions and licensing requirements, and the threat of voiding service warranties if the parts are installed incorrectly.

What do Central Air Conditioners do?

A main air conditioner cools air in one spot before distributing it throughout the residence utilizing the heating system’s air handling capabilities. This sets it apart from window or wall a/c unit or mini-split systems, which all chill reasonably tiny locations and require lots of systems to cool the entire house.

Most single-family homes in the United States with main air use a split system. This suggests that the gadget is divided into two parts: an evaporator coil within a compressor and the home exterior.

Central Air Conditioner Installation in Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Working With Professional Central Air Conditioner Installers in Pittsburgh, PA

When consulting with specialists, ask about their method to the job. Pay attention to the questions they ask! An installer ought to ask clarifying concerns so that your choices and decisions are represented in their quote and the end outcome.

Planning for Central Air Installation in in Pittsburgh

Installing central air is a large endeavor that requires substantial preparation ahead of time. Demand that your specialist examine their treatment and validate that they will handle any required authorizations or other essential documents.

Talk about with your contractor how much you worth energy effectiveness above initial cost. This is likewise an outstanding moment to discuss the position of the condenser unit and the kind of thermostat you select.

Sizing for your Central Air Conditioner

Your professional will help you in figuring out the suitable size central air conditioner for your house. A system that is too small will run almost constantly, whereas a system that is too large will chill the home too rapidly 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 avoids air from flowing. As a outcome, a big air conditioning unit might be less efficient at cooling than a smaller system.

Your Air Conditioner installation will do a calculation referred to as a “Manual-J” to identify finest system for your home. This will take into consideration all of the parameters we’ve pointed out and more, leading to the most exact size possible.

Nevertheless, we understand that lots of house owners like to have a basic notion of what size they require ahead of time. Here’s a rough estimation of main air conditioner size: To get the Btu required, multiply the square video footage of your home’s conditioned location by 25, then divide by 12,000 to acquire the tonnage.

If you have numerous of those windows, you may require more cooling.

Getting an Estimate for a Central Air Conditioner in Pittsburgh, PA 15206

As soon as you’ve gone over the standard strategy and talked about design possibilities, the professional needs to offer you an price quote. As always, acquire composed estimates from various providers. The only exception would be if you’re installing a/c in a brand-new house, because the home builder will probably handle it.

When working with a contractor or independent HVAC contractor, don’t be reluctant to look for clarifying information or request expense breakdowns. Even if the contractor is unable to detail whatever, they need to be ready to interact sufficiently to assist you feel more at ease with the procedure.

Central Air Conditioner Installation in Pittsburgh, PA 15206

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?

Rates vary based on the local market and the task details, as with any substantial job. For labor and supplies, a normal split system central air installation using an existing furnace could cost in between $3,000 and $7,000 or more. On average, that cost will be divided around 60/40, with labor accounting for most of it.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that you will probably be paying complete retail rather than receiving a industrial discount rate, so the whole cost of the job might not be less expensive than the specialist’s price quote. You’ll also need to perform your own sizing, and you’ll be held responsible 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 developing a heating system and air conditioning system, the cost of each component is regularly decreased, while the general cost of the work is higher.

Central AC Installation in Pittsburgh, PA 15206

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 Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Call 855-608-3406 Now!

Central Air Conditioner Installation in Pittsburgh, PA

Tel:855-608-3406

Main address: PO Box 475746 Pittsburgh, PA
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 Pittsburgh, PA

Call 855-608-3406 Now!

Additional HVAC Services in Pittsburgh Pa 15206 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.