You’ve decided to take the leap you’ve been contemplating every summer for the last few years and finally, invest in an air conditioner for your Santa Rosa home. Having central air conditioning is certainly one of the most efficient ways to stay cool when the weather doesn’t, but if you’re looking for your first air conditioner, you probably have some questions about the way it will work for you. You might want more details about the kinds of expenses you’re most likely to face, or you could be wondering what the difference between a good installation and a bad one is. You may have questions about your ductwork, proper sizing of your unit, or the cooling needs of your home. How can you separate the facts from fiction?
Not to worry; we’re here to clear up some common misconceptions and answer a few important questions. While we can’t tell you everything you’ll ever need to know about owning an AC in Santa Rosa in a single article, we can at least explain some of the most commonly asked questions about having one installed so that you can move forward with confidence. Here are the 5 ac installation Santa Rosa FAQs we hear.
- How big should my system be?
This is one of the questions prospective HVAC owners ask most often, and with good reason. The size of your air conditioner needs to be very specific to cool your home properly. If your system is too large, it may cool your home too fast, which can cause moisture buildup that eventually results in mold. On the other hand, a system that isn’t large enough will fail to cool your space and will run on a constant basis, driving up your energy costs for nothing.
Finding the exact size of air conditioner your home will need is a painstaking process, and should be undertaken by a professional contractor. However, it’s possible to land in the ballpark by following a relatively simple equation: (square footage of your house x 30, /12,000) – 1.0) = required tonnage for the new unit.
- How much will my system cost?
Comparison shopping is always a good idea, especially when it comes to something as important (and potentially expensive) as a central air conditioner. Unfortunately, the final costs of installation are different in almost every case, owing to some highly variable factors: the size of your home, the number of windows, whether you have existing ductwork, and numerous other considerations.
The good news is that most HVAC technicians will offer a quote for installations, or at least be able to give you their hourly labor rates. You can also find the initial costs for various cooling systems quite easily, which can help you budget. In any case, you should be prepared to spend several thousand dollars having your system installed—especially if you’re having new ducts put in as well.
- How long will installation take?
When most people stop worrying about money, they start worrying about time. HVAC installation is a big job, and so most people assume that it will be a long one too. Fortunately, this isn’t always the case. In fact, AC installation often doesn’t take long at all.
Some things can add a few days to the installation process for a new cooling system (especially if your home needs new ducts). Installing the cooling unit itself is usually a relatively quick process, and many companies claim to be able to complete a basic installation in under a single day.
- Is Central AC worth it, or should I go ductless?
Central air conditioning isn’t the only cooling option available in Santa Rosa, and some people opt to use multiple split-system units in their homes instead. If you don’t use every room in your house regularly, or if you have an older home without pre-existing ductwork, you may find the use of split-system air conditioners more cost-effective. However, if your home is larger or has been built recently, a central air conditioner is likely to be a better investment. Purchasing split-system air conditioners for many rooms can be very expensive, and newer homes typically come with the ductwork required for a smooth AC installation.
- How long will my air conditioner last?
Air conditioners are an investment, and like any investment, they need to be looked after properly. As long as you schedule regular service and put yourself in the habit of performing simple routine maintenance, your unit should last for well over a decade. However, be advised that neglect or misuse will shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner considerably.
Hopefully, the above information has helped to demystify the AC installation process somewhat. If you have more questions, call a qualified HVAC technician in your area—most of them are happy to help prospective clients learn as much as possible. Contact us for more information.