Problems With the Installation of a High-Efficiency Air Conditioner

Sealing

• Improperly sealed ducts can result in energy losses of 30 percent or even more, according to the Energy Smart Library. Air conditioning ducts in the attic, garage or crawl space are particularly problematic. To prevent losses, make sure that your contractor seals all ducts with mastic and places insulation around ducts in the attic space. The average home loses about 20 percent of the air that is transported through ducts due to improper sealing and insulation.

Duct Placement

• Attics, garages, crawl spaces and basements are more prone to get cold in the winter months and warmer in the summer months. Therefore, placing ducts in these areas of your home may result in inefficient heating and cooling, particularly during the most extreme seasons. Avoid ductwork installation in these areas, and make sure that your contractor installs the ducts in the living space as much as possible to avoid unnecessary duct leakage. If you do install ductwork in these areas, take special care to ensure that they are properly sealed and insulated.

Improper Sizing

• Bigger isn't always better when it comes to high-efficiency air conditioners. Make sure that your contractor does a thorough analysis of your home's size and layout before installing the new air conditioning system. Oversized air conditioners cycle on and off more frequently and place increased stress on their components. In fact, an undersized system is often preferable to a larger one, according to the Energy Smart Library. Make sure that there are enough registers to distribute air throughout your home and return it to the central unit.

Smaller Problems

• Small installation issues can add up to significant losses. The location of your condensing unit, for example, should be in an area that has open access to airflow, without any objects blocking it. Condensing units can also be loud, so try to place it in a location that won't disturb you or your neighbors. Make sure that the refrigerant charge and flow rate match the manufacturer's specifications, and keep the thermostat away from heat sources like supply registers and windows.