The Installation of an Air Conditioner

J-Load Calculation

• If you want to get a central air-conditioning system installed in your house, have your home evaluated by a contractor first. John D. Wagner from "This Old House" states that homeowners should always obtain an Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual J Load calculation. This is a scientific way for contractors to assess how much heat your air conditioner will have to deal with and it allows them to make an accurate recommendation to you regarding the size of system that you require.

Ductwork

• If you have a forced air furnace in your home, then installing central air conditioning will be much less labor intensive and cost considerably less than if you install it in a home without existing ductwork. However, it is not as difficult as you might think to install new ducts in an existing home. Contractors are skilled at using attics, basements, closets and minimally invasive techniques to get ducts into your walls.

Window Air Conditioners

• Unlike central air, a window air conditioner installation is a project that can be completed in fairly short order by a homeowner. These units must be adequately braced in the window and sealed in place to prevent heat transfer. Install all brackets that come with the unit according to the enclosed instructions so that the unit is stable. Then, fill all the gaps around the unit and seal it in place with weatherstripping so that you don't have unwanted air transfer between the home and the outdoors.

Wall Air Conditioner

• The problem with a wall-mounted air conditioner is that you do have to cut a hole in the side of your house to mount it there, making it a much more permanent option when compared to a window unit. To install it, you need to know for sure that there are no pipes or wiring behind your wall before you cut into it. If you're not sure about what's hiding inside your walls or if you are installing the unit in a wall with any brick or concrete layers, then you should have a professional install this type of unit.