Getting The Most Out Of An A/C System Investment

Posted: June 14, 2021

Although Wilson Oil and Propane started as a fuel delivery company 95 years ago, we have also been installing and servicing air conditioning systems in homes and businesses for many decades. That’s why we’re experts in designing the ideal air conditioning solution for our customers.

What Professional A/C Installation Looks Like

Lots of companies call themselves air conditioning experts, but very few take the time and care to make sure that the equipment they install will keep you comfortable for years to come while saving you money as well. Here are some of the many steps we take ensure your air conditioning system is installed the correct way, compared to the mistakes that a less experienced HVAC contractor may make.

• Giving proper consideration to cooling system airflow. Airflow is one of the most important factors in A/C efficiency, yet many inexperienced contractors don’t consider it nearly enough when installing a home cooling and duct system.
• Paying attention to building ventilation. There’s a “V” in “HVAC” for a reason, yet inexperienced contractors will often not pay enough attention to the way air moves into, out of, and around your home. Today’s increasingly airtight homes need mechanical ventilation to function properly, so that’s why we always take this into consideration when installing your central air conditioning system.
• Installing a programmable thermostat. Why pay to cool a home that you’re not there to enjoy? Raise the thermostat five to seven degrees when you’re not home during the day and you could save 10% or more on your annual cooling bill. The easiest way to do that is by installing a programmable thermostat. This allows you to set it and forget it. Read about today’s smart thermostats.
• Thermostat and A/C placement. Your thermostat should never be installed in direct sunlight or near a cooling or heating system air vent. Your readings will be inaccurate, which could result in your system over- or under-working. The location of your air conditioner also affects how hard it has to work to cool your home; the less direct sunlight it gets, the less power it will need to cool your home.
• System size matching. If your contractor chooses an air conditioner that is too large for your space, it will cycle (turn on and off) too often, causing unneeded wear and tear on your equipment. On the other hand, if an undersized air conditioner is installed, it will operate too often, wasting your energy dollars. That’s why Wilson technicians do a detailed calculation of your home’s cooling load before providing a cooling system estimate.
• Ductwork size matching. Air ducts need to be properly sized to move air efficiently throughout your home; if ducts are too small, pressure will build and cause leaks; ducts that are too large will result in blower fans having trouble getting conditioned air where it needs to go.
• Location for return vents. Out-of-sight air vents can easily get covered with boxes, furniture, and other obstructions. When return air supply is restricted, the blower fan will try harder to pull the air in, which may shorten its lifespan significantly.
• Duct sealing. As much as 15% of the air you pay to cool your home can escape a poorly installed or inadequately sealed duct system. Many installers use low quality products and cut corners when they do a duct system installation; as with most things in life, you get what you pay for.
• Checking the system for coolant leaks after installation. A 10% loss of refrigerant can result in a 20% increase in your electricity bills, not to mention wear and tear on your equipment and health problems for you and your family. Less experienced HVAC contractors don’t check a newly installed HVAC system for leaks; experienced pros like Wilson technicians do.
• Registering your equipment warranty. Failure to register your A/C system and your warranty may be void when you really need it. Take the time and get it done! We’ll be glad to help if you’re having trouble.

Please visit our website to learn more your options in new central air conditioning systems and then contact us to request a FREE, no-obligation estimate on a new system. Visit our Specials page too to learn more about current incentives for savings.