The weather can get hot practically anywhere in California, but when you live in the Napa area the summer can be
particularly punishing. That’s why thousands of people in the region turn to air conditioners each summer for comfort and relief from the heat. However, air conditioning technology is a luxury that not everybody in the Napa area has. If you live in the region and are tired of sweating whenever the temperature climbs too high, you’re probably considering adding an AC to your home.
Putting an air conditioner in your home sounds like an excellent idea, but if you’re going to make that kind of investment, you’ll want to ensure it’s done correctly. As anyone with experience will be happy to tell you, the installation of your air conditioner makes a world of difference when it comes to its energy efficiency and overall longevity. Have your air conditioner installed by a professional who knows what they’re doing, and you’ll be able to enjoy years of reliable use with only basic maintenance and troubleshooting but cut corners, and you may not be so lucky.
Those of you who want to get the most out of your investment are probably asking one question right now: how can you make sure you get a high-quality Napa air conditioning installation? Don’t worry; it’s easy when you know what to look for and who to trust. We’ve put together a guide for you that shows the best way to track down a quality installer and check for common mistakes. Read on to discover your quickest route to a unit that will keep you cool all summer long.
Making Sure Your Unit is the Right Size
One of the most important parts of your installation will be sizing your unit to your home. Most people have heard of sizing in conversations that involve air conditioners, but they don’t always understand it correctly. “Sizing” isn’t about the physical dimensions of your cooling system—it’s about the size of your home and the capacity needed to keep it cool.
Air conditioning capacity is measured in Btu, or British thermal units. Your air conditioner will have a Btu rating on it when you purchase it, which your contractor should be well aware of and able to point out to you upon request. The higher your Btu rating is, the more space it will be able to cool successfully. Higher Btu ratings also mean more power is needed to keep the unit running, so you don’t want a unit with a higher Btu rating than required for the size of your home.
There is no simple formula for determining what Btu rating the air conditioner for your home needs. Size is the primary factor in determining Btu, but plenty of other considerations can affect the final recommendation, including insulation and ceiling height in the rooms you’re trying to cool. Online calculators may provide you with an estimate, but this is unlikely to be precise. Experienced HVAC contractors are accustomed to sizing air conditioners though, so your best bet is to double check with your contractor during an installation to make sure they’ve sized your unit properly. This also creates a compelling argument to look for experienced contractors.
Finding Experienced Contractors in Napa
Finding an experienced contractor in Napa means finding a contractor with the proper credentials. In cases like air conditioning installation, you’ll be looking for a license. All HVAC technicians in the state of California working on projects that cost more than $500 are required to hold a C-20 license, which takes at least four years of professional experience to earn. If you zero in on a contractor who has earned their C-20, you’ll know that they’ve spent considerable time honing their craft.
Pricing and turnaround time are also important information to consider when you’re choosing a professional to install your air conditioner. Fortunately, experienced and honest contractors will almost always offer you an estimate for their services. Make sure to call and ask about pricing when you’re looking at contractors in your area. Be prepared to tell them certain information about your home, too—the more they know, the better they’ll be able to provide you with an accurate number.
Check for Mistakes
Errors are always possible, so keep an eye out for some common mistakes during your installation. For instance, make sure that your contractor isn’t using tape to seal your ducts—tape is a temporary solution, not a permanent bonding agent. Make sure your drains have been installed with an emergency overflow pan too, or you could face leaks while using the system.
It’s easy to have your air conditioner installed correctly in the Napa region when you keep an eye out for a few key things. Refer to this guide before and during the installation process, and you’ll find that it’s easy to get the system you want. Contact us for more information.