Tennessee
summers are known for county fairs, outdoor concerts and hot, humid weather.
Even for those of us who grew up in the South, those sweltering days can still
be tough to handle. With nearly two months left until fall, we want to give you
some tips to help your installations go smoothly during these dog days of
summer.
1. Evaluate the job
This
may sound like a no-brainer, but it is essential that you adequately assess a
job before installing a new unit. It is better to know what factors you’ll be
dealing with in advance rather than having to go back and repeat or correct some
of your work.
Before
beginning the installation, double check that you have all of the necessary
supplies needed to perform the job. This can include the right hood, electrical
equipment, ductwork and more.
2. Calculate the load
In
order to determine the appropriately sized unit for a house, it’s necessary to calculate the load. This simple step can drastically
improve efficiency. It’s also a good idea to ask the homeowner if he or she was
satisfied with the previous unit’s cooling abilities; if not, that may be a
strong indication that the unit did not fit the size of the house.
3. Inspect the ductwork
Another
important thing to check before beginning an installation is the homeowner’s
ductwork. An experienced installer can quickly detect ductwork that is damaged
or needs replacing. In fact, a leaking duct can reduce efficiency by 40%. Pairing a new unit with
thoroughly inspected ductwork will ensure the system can perform at its greatest
capacity.
4. Upgrade the thermostat
Because
today’s HVAC technologies continue to improve year
after year, it’s important that the homeowner’s thermostat is up to date.
Replacing old manual thermostats with new, programmable versions will allow the
homeowner to maximize his or her comfort by the exact degree. Following the
installation, be sure to program the thermostat so that it functions properly
with the new unit.
It’s
also important to advise homeowners not to adjust their thermostats more than
two or three degrees while they’re away from home. Some people believe that
turning up the temperature seven or eight degrees will save energy, but it
actually requires more energy to cool the house back down than if the
thermostat was set only a few degrees warmer.
5. Test the airflow
In
order for a new installation to work efficiently, the airflow must be correct. Use
a balancing hood or anemometer to test the airflow
after installing. Many contractors fail to check and adjust it, resulting in
nearly half of all warranty claims and user complaints.
6. Measure the BTU
After
completing the installation, acclimate the new unit to around 70 degrees, and measure the BTU output of the new system
to ensure it is performing at its best. The goal is for the unit to operate
within 10% of the manufacturer’s expectations, which will provide the homeowner
with the greatest performance possible.
Some of
you could probably perform an installation with your eyes closed, but it’s
always good to refresh your memory with helpful tips to ensure the successful
completion of a job. Following these steps along with the unit’s step-by-step
instructions is sure to result in a comfortable house and a satisfied
homeowner.
