What you should look for during installation of your new home's air conditioning system.
Except for a new baby, there are few more memorable moments than moving into a brand new home. The excitement, adventure, and good times lie ahead. You can eliminate unwanted stress, costs and headaches which will take away from the excitement and adventure. Your idea of a good time may not involve the re-painting or repairing new ceilings due to water overflow. Worse, re-installating or pre-mature replacement of the air conditioning equipment due to a poorly designed/installed air conditioning system. . With that in mind, here are a few things you can do before you move into your new home and make unwanted discoveries!
Find a contractor you can trust! A contractor will inform you as building progresses and keep an eye out for your welfare when systems are installed. Because you pay him, he works for you. Saying "Stop the job" gets his attention.
Where will the thermostat be located? An inside wall with plenty of circulation is best.
Is there plenty of access space around the air conditioner? If the air handler/furnace is behind a door, is there adequate return air or is the air intake impeded? Restricted or inadequate return air will cause comfort problems and lead to pre-mature equipment failure.
Are the systems equipped with insulated pipes? Is there an emergency drain pan under the unit? Are there float switches installed (emergency shut off switches when there is water overflow)
Is your air conditioning system equipped with easy to locate filter(s) that you can change? Dirty filters diminsh your system's effectiveness and energy efficiency which leads to increased costs. You may consider a high capacity filter (high level filtration that lasts six months to a year)
Make sure the system is adequate for your home. One that's too small will strain and not cool properly. One that's too large wont' cool or remove moisture from "clammy air", even though it may cool faster. An oversizied unit will just run up your energy bill.
Check your ductwork. Does your ductwork have smooth flowing turns that don't restrict air flow.
Are the ductwork connections sealed? Is there mastic on all fittings. If not, air could be leaking out. Air leakage diminshes the comfort level of your home.