Perhaps you’ve decided to replace an older AC system or add cooling to your Ohio home for the first time. Should you hire a professional or try to save money by installing the equipment yourself? Let’s explore why it’s always the better choice to let an experienced HVAC installer handle it.
AC Configuration
Ohio homeowners have many cooling systems and add-ons to consider. A skilled technician can help you explore those options and weigh the pros and cons. Central air conditioners are often the right choice for customers who already have ducts or would like to add them. Another option is a heat pump rather than an AC. It’s an opportunity to compare a zone control system versus a traditional single-zone setup. If you don’t have ducts and don’t want to add them, a ductless mini-split may be the better choice. You can also add a mini-split as a complement to central AC or to cool a hard-to-reach area, such as a home addition.
Accurate Sizing
One of the most challenging aspects of choosing an AC is sizing it for your particular home. A general rule is you need 12,000 BTUs or 1 ton per 500 square feet, but that’s a rough estimate. An AC that’s too small or big will cost you a lot more money in the end. A certified expert AC installer will size your new system accurately through what the industry calls a load calculation. This method factors in the basics, such as the floor plan, square footage, and ceiling heights of your home. It will also take into account the building envelope and any unique aspects of your location.
Even Cooling
Sizing is only the first step in ensuring you achieve even cooling throughout your entire home. If you’re reusing existing ductwork, an installer will ensure it’s adequately sealed. If you’re installing new ducts, a technician will ensure the size and design are ideal for your home. There’s the matter of the air handler as well. The blower needs to provide the necessary cubic feet per minute. A professional AC installer will also ensure that the static pressure is optimal at both ends of the system. Pressure that’s too low will result in poor cooling. Pressure that’s too high, on the other hand, will cause excessive wear and tear and reduced energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a big consideration as well. If it is too low, the AC will result in an unnecessarily high electric bill. That can make a big difference over the next 15 years or more. Can efficiency be too high? It can in the sense that high-efficiency ACs are more expensive. Choosing the right efficiency is about striking a balance between what you can afford and saving money over the long term. That’s something a professional installer can help you do.
AC Rebates and Other Incentives
An installer can also help you explore rebates, tax credits, and other energy incentives. Incentives are a powerful tool to help make a high-efficiency AC more affordable and recoup your added investment sooner. Most incentives require an AC with ENERGY STAR certification. There are often rebates available through manufacturers, local utility companies, and the government. Many rebates are post-purchase refunds, but there are point-of-sale rebates, which are a lot like a discount. In lieu of a government rebate, you can claim a nonrefundable credit on your federal taxes.
Code Compliance
Installing an AC system on your own is not recommended, and it generally requires a permit that is finalized through a city inspection. The inspector will hold you to the same building codes that they would a licensed installer. If you fail the inspection, you’ll likely need to hire a professional anyway to avoid fines and other legal issues.
Full Warranty Coverage
It’s important to read the fine print. Most warranties only cover the bare minimum required by law with the purchase alone. Realizing the full coverage requires installation by a licensed contractor along with a successful inspection on file with your local government.
AC Installation in Ohio
Fraas Heating & Cooling is a team of AC services experts helping homeowners from our location in Archbold, OH. We are a locally owned and operated business that employs certified HVAC technicians. Our company is a proud Trane partner but installs all AC brands. We often have specials to help you save, provide free installation quotes, and offer flexible financing options to qualified customers.
To learn more about AC installation or about the many other HVAC services that we provide, call us today to schedule an in-home consultation.
