An AC system install is a crucial home improvement, impacting your comfort, energy bills, and air quality for years. When done correctly by qualified professionals, a new air conditioning system can reduce energy consumption by up to 20% while providing consistent, reliable cooling.
Key Components of AC System Installation:
Timeline: Most standard replacements take 4-8 hours, while new installations with ductwork can take 2-5 days.
Modern air conditioning systems are significantly more complex than older units and require specialized knowledge for proper installation. As one HVAC professional noted: "The installation process for a new air conditioner is complicated. When customers ask me what’s involved... they’re often shocked to learn how much goes into it."
The stakes are high. Poor installation can lead to:
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about AC system install—from choosing the right system to understanding the professional installation process and maintaining your investment.
Preparing for an AC system install means choosing a unit that fits your home's needs, your budget, and your long-term goals. This decision will affect your comfort and energy costs for the next 15-20 years.
A thorough home assessment is the first step. An HVAC professional will examine your home's layout, insulation, windows, and ductwork, considering your family's preferences and budget. This isn't a one-size-fits-all situation.
Budget considerations go beyond the initial purchase price. A high-efficiency unit costs more upfront but can save hundreds annually on energy bills, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
How do you know when your trusty AC needs to be replaced? The signs are usually clear once you know what to look for.
Age is a key factor. Most AC systems last 10-15 years. Once your system hits the 10-year mark, it's losing efficiency. Replacing a system over 10 years old can cut your cooling costs by up to 20%.
Frequent repairs are another red flag. When repair costs approach half the price of a new system, it's time to upgrade.
Rising energy bills indicate your AC is working harder to do the same job. An aging system can lose 5% of its efficiency each year without proper maintenance.
Poor performance shows up as uneven cooling, high humidity, or rooms that never get comfortable.
Strange noises like grinding or squealing often mean expensive repairs are on the horizon.
The R-22 refrigerant phase-out is a major consideration for older systems. If your AC uses R-22 and develops a leak, repairs will be increasingly expensive. For more guidance, see when to consider replacing your system.
HVAC systems come in different types for different needs. Choosing the right one is key to your comfort and energy bills.
Central air conditioners use existing ductwork for whole-home cooling. They are excellent for consistent cooling in homes with good ductwork.
Ductless mini-splits are perfect for home additions or rooms that are hard to cool. Each indoor unit is controlled independently, offering high efficiency and an easier installation than adding new ductwork.
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling by moving heat. They are incredibly efficient in Utah's climate, handling both cold winters and hot summers reliably.
Packaged systems combine all components into one outdoor unit, ideal for homes with limited indoor space.
Geothermal systems use the earth's stable underground temperature. They require a larger upfront investment but offer incredible long-term savings and are very environmentally friendly.
Each type has advantages; the key is matching the right technology to your home.
Getting the size right is a critical, scientific part of an AC system install. An oversized or undersized AC will cause problems.
Professional HVAC contractors use a Manual J load calculation, a detailed analysis that goes far beyond square footage. It considers your home's insulation, window types and placement, local climate zone, number of occupants, and heat-generating appliances.
Oversized systems cool your home too quickly, shutting off before removing humidity. This leaves the air feeling clammy and wastes energy through constant on-off cycling, which also wears out components faster.
Undersized systems run constantly without reaching the desired temperature, driving up energy bills and wearing out the unit. Your home never gets comfortable on the hottest days.
A proper load calculation ensures your new system is a perfect match for your home, delivering optimal comfort and efficiency.
Understanding efficiency ratings helps you make smart long-term decisions.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently a system converts electricity into cooling over a season. Like a car's MPG, a higher SEER means better efficiency and lower operating costs.
Modern systems must have at least 13 SEER in northern states like Utah, but investing in a higher rating pays off. Upgrading an old system to a higher SEER unit can save up to 20% on cooling costs.
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures efficiency at peak conditions (95°F), but SEER provides a better picture of overall seasonal performance.
Energy Star certification identifies units with a SEER of 15 or higher, which deliver superior performance and often qualify for rebates or tax credits.
Higher SEER units cost more upfront but pay for themselves through lower energy bills over the system's lifetime.
Once you've chosen your system, the professional AC system install begins. This is a precise, multi-step process that requires skilled, licensed professionals. While most standard replacements take about 4-8 hours, complex jobs with new ductwork might take 2-5 days. Every step is crucial for your safety and long-term comfort.
First, we prepare the site by protecting your floors and furniture. The next step is removing the old system. This involves safely recovering the old refrigerant, as venting it is illegal under EPA refrigerant regulations. Our certified technicians use specialized equipment to capture the refrigerant, protecting the environment and your family. Once the old unit is removed and the area is cleared, we're ready to install your new system.
This is the heart of your AC system install, where experience and training are essential:
Setting the outdoor condenser: The new unit is positioned on a level, stable composite pad. These pads absorb vibrations better and last longer than concrete, which can crack in Utah's freeze-thaw cycles.
Installing the indoor evaporator coil: This component, usually placed on top of your furnace, is where heat is absorbed from your indoor air. Proper installation is key to preventing issues like freezing or drainage problems.
Running the refrigerant lines: We connect the indoor and outdoor units with a new copper line set whenever possible. Old lines can contain contaminants that could damage your new system or void its warranty.
Brazing and pressure testing: We use a high-temperature welding process to connect the copper lines, flowing nitrogen through them to prevent internal oxidation. Afterward, the system is pressure tested with dry nitrogen to ensure there are no leaks.
Vacuuming the system: This critical step removes all air and moisture from the refrigerant lines before adding new refrigerant. We use powerful vacuum pumps to pull a deep vacuum (down to 500 microns) to prevent internal corrosion and system failure.
Electrical connections: We ensure all high- and low-voltage wiring is safe, secure, and compliant with the National Electrical Code, allowing your thermostat to communicate properly with the entire system.
Condensate drain installation: A properly installed PVC drain line with safety switches removes moisture pulled from the air. If the drain clogs, a safety switch shuts the system down to prevent water damage.
Cutting corners on any of these steps can lead to higher energy bills, poor comfort, and expensive repairs.
Your ductwork is your home's respiratory system. Even the best AC will struggle if ducts are leaky or poorly designed.
Sheet metal ducts are the gold standard for durability and airflow. Flex duct is a budget-friendly option but can restrict airflow if kinked or installed improperly. Duct board is inexpensive but requires perfect sealing.
The average home loses 25% of its conditioned air through duct leaks. We seal every joint and connection with mastic or foil-backed butyl tape—never duct tape, which fails quickly. For hard-to-reach leaks, advanced treatments like Aeroseal can seal gaps from the inside. Sometimes, a full ductwork replacement is the best option with a new AC system install.
Installation isn't finished until the system is commissioned. This detailed process ensures everything runs to manufacturer specifications, something many companies skip to save time.
During commissioning, we check refrigerant levels, measure airflow, test the thermostat, and calibrate the entire system by checking voltages, motor amperage, and static pressure. This ensures optimal performance and validates your warranty.
The final walkthrough is where we explain how your new system works and answer your questions. We'll also cover maintenance needs and help you register your warranty. This process is the difference between a good installation and a great one.
With your new AC system install complete, the focus shifts to maximizing your investment for long-term comfort and efficiency.
While it may be tempting to save money with a DIY approach, an AC system install is a job best left to professionals. The risks of DIY are significant.
Risks of DIY:
Benefits of Professional Installation:
Choosing a professional ensures correct sizing, expert installation that meets all codes, and safe handling of all materials. A professionally installed system runs efficiently, provides superior comfort, lasts longer, and keeps your warranty protected, giving you peace of mind.
Upgrade your comfort and savings with smart technology.
We can integrate these technologies into your new AC system install for ultimate control.
A quality AC system install needs regular care to perform at its best.
Investing in a new AC system install raises many questions. Here are answers to the most common concerns we hear from homeowners in northern Utah.
The cost of an AC installation depends on several factors, much like the price of a car.
System type and size are the biggest variables. A basic central air unit costs less than a high-end heat pump, and a larger home requires a more powerful (and more expensive) unit.
SEER rating also plays a major role. Higher SEER units have a higher upfront cost but generate significant savings on energy bills over the system's life.
Ductwork modifications can impact the total investment. If your existing ducts need to be sealed, repaired, or completely replaced, this will add to the project's scope and cost.
Labor complexity varies by home. A simple replacement is straightforward, but installations requiring electrical upgrades or work in tight spaces take more time and expertise.
Home size and age can also be factors, as older homes may need modifications to accommodate modern systems. For more information, you can review resources like National cost averages.
For a standard replacement of an old system, our technicians can typically complete the job in 4 to 8 hours. You can leave for work and come home to a new, efficient cooling system.
A full installation with new ductwork, such as adding central air to a home for the first time, is a larger project that usually takes 2 to 5 days. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your routine.
Factors like system complexity, the need for electrical upgrades, or unexpected ductwork issues can affect the project timeline.
Not all companies perform an AC system install with the same level of care. These common problems are completely preventable with the right expertise.
Improper sizing is a major issue. An oversized system short-cycles, wasting energy and failing to dehumidify. An undersized system runs constantly without cooling effectively. Both lead to higher bills and discomfort.
Refrigerant leaks from poor connections result in poor cooling performance, environmental damage, and costly future repairs.
Faulty electrical wiring is a serious safety hazard that can cause fires or damage your new equipment. This is why work must be done by licensed professionals.
Poor ductwork sealing wastes a significant amount of your conditioned air—up to 25% or more—by sending it into your attic or crawl space instead of your living areas.
Incorrect condensate drainage can lead to water backing up, causing property damage and creating an environment for mold growth.
Choosing experienced professionals who take pride in their craft ensures these issues are avoided. That's the standard of quality you can expect from Royal Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
Understanding the AC system install process makes it less overwhelming. This guide has covered the crucial steps, from identifying the signs you need a new system to recognizing the importance of professional installation.
The key takeaways are clear: proper sizing is critical, cutting corners during installation leads to future costs, and regular maintenance is essential for longevity. A quality AC system install is about precise calculations, expert craftsmanship, and meticulous testing to ensure your system runs perfectly.
When you choose professional installation, you're investing in long-term comfort and efficiency. The risks of DIY—from voided warranties to safety hazards—make this a job best left to the experts.
At Royal Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we have a long history of helping families across Northern Utah, from Cache to Salt Lake County, stay comfortable. Our experienced team is committed to doing the job right the first time.
Your home deserves royal treatment. Don't settle for a rushed installation that leaves you sweating through another Utah summer. When you're ready for reliable, professional service that puts your comfort first, we're here to help.
Ready to upgrade your home's comfort? Schedule your professional AC installation in Salt Lake City and experience the difference that expert installation makes.
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