The Most Common Mistakes During DIY AC Installation

Before you consider doing your own AC installation, are you aware of the common pitfalls of it? Pitfalls that will result in higher financial costs and increase the risk of safety hazards? In this handy article, we’ll provide you with the most common DIY AC installation mistakes homeowners make and how to successfully avoid them using our expert knowledge and insights. By providing useful information, you’ll be able to circumvent any issues and not encounter any mishaps with our in-depth, thorough installation advice.

You Got the Wrong Unit Size for Your AC Installation

What are the Consequences of Improper AC Sizing?

One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing the wrong size AC unit for their home. Doing this can result in reduced comfort, efficiency, and lifespan of your overall system. If your AC is too small, it can struggle to maintain your desired temperature. It can leave some parts of your indoor living space uncomfortably warm and different temperatures for different rooms in your home. It will run constantly as it tries to cool a space down, which can lead to higher wear and tear on your appliance. As a result, this will cause excessive electricity usage and make your electricity bills higher. It will also shorten the lifespan of your AC. That’s why you mustn’t try to get a cheaper, smaller AC. It may be less costly upfront but will cost you more money in the long run. If you get an oversized AC, this will result in short cycling. This means that the unit will cool a space too quickly and cause it to turn off and on frequently. This will lead to inefficient operation, uneven cooling, and extra strain on the compressor. It will also prevent proper dehumidification from happening. You can tell if the air feels clammy and uncomfortable. Lastly, it will also cause excessive mold and mildew growth, posing potential health risks for you and your family. Now that you know the signs of an improperly sized AC unit, how can you prevent these kinds of consequences from happening?

How Do You Determine the Correct AC Unit Size?

It is fairly simple to find the correct AC unit size. However, we recommend consulting with an HVAC professional if you need someone to perform the highly detailed calculations you need to make. One precise method is called a “Manual J Calculation.” It considers multiple factors for sizing your AC unit, like square footage, climate zone, insulation quality, the windows and doors of your home, how many BTUs per person, and heat-producing your heat-producing appliances. To determine the BTU for a person, a simple rule of thumb is to multiply the square footage by a factor. For example, 20-25 BTUs per square foot. You should also adjust for additional factors like 1,000 BTUs per window and exterior doors. These calculations may seem hard, but once you understand and do the math, it can be relatively easy if you have a handy calculator. You could also use software tools to help you determine the BTU. Also, if you look at your AC unit, you can check the model number of your current system. If your model has a “24,” this means that it is a 2-ton unit (24,000 BTUs).

You Positioned Your AC Installation in the Wrong Area

The Factors the Affect Optimal AC Placement

You must choose the right place. It’s not as simple as just placing the AC where there is enough space. There are other factors to consider as well. Placing your AC in the correct location will greatly impact its efficiency, performance, and lifespan. Try to place it in an area that avoids direct sunlight. Instead, please put it in a nice and shady area, ideally on the north or east side of your house. You should also make sure that there is enough clearance around the outside unit to ensure proper circulation. Pay attention by avoiding placing it near walls, furniture, or vegetation.

For your indoor unit, you can install it high on a wall or in the center of a room to help with air distribution. For your comfort, place it away from areas you spend the most time in, like bedrooms and offices. This will help you avoid getting exposed to any promises it makes. Lastly, place it in an easy-access area so you can clean, maintain, and repair it regularly without hindering you too much. By taking into account these factors, you’ll be able to find the best place for your AC installation and avoid making any costly mistakes that will impact your comfort and the AC’s efficiency.

What are the Consequences of Improperly Positioning your AC Unit?

Improperly positioning your AC unit can have numerous consequences. These negative effects can impact your AC’s efficiency, longevity, and performance. For example, if you place your outdoor AC in direct sunlight, it may work harder. This will increase energy consumption, which results in higher energy bills and operational costs.

If your AC units are too close to walls and vegetation, they can block them. This will lead to your AC struggling to draw in and expel air, reducing the overall efficiency of your AC unit and causing it to overheat. This will also increase the wear and tear on it and shorten its life span. It isn’t just inefficient, but can also be dangerous. For example, ACs installed too low to the ground in flood-prone areas are at risk of water damage. ACs that are not securely placed can fall and cause structural (or bodily) damage. So, when finding the best place for your AC, don’t just consider convenience and space. Consider the other important variables to ensure your AC will last a long time and, most importantly, function without any issues.

You Overestimated Your AC Installation Technical Know-How

Common DIY Installation Mistakes

Many homeowners confidently begin a DIY AC installation project, but they quickly discover that it’s more technical and complex than it initially seems. A common mistake is failing to properly seal connections between the air handler, ductwork, and refrigerant lines. If these are not sealed correctly, it can lead to air leaks that reduce the overall efficiency of your cooling system. Some DIYers also skip vacuuming the refrigerant lines before charging the system, which allows moisture and contaminants to enter. This not only reduces performance but can also cause long-term damage to your compressor and other internal parts. Wiring errors are another common misstep. Improper electrical connections may not just result in the system not turning on—it could also create a major safety hazard, including the risk of electrical fire or system shorting. Even something as simple as incorrectly leveling the outdoor unit can have long-term effects on system drainage and operation. It’s easy to overlook a small but critical detail without a clear understanding of the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the necessary technical steps.

The Potential Risks of Doing It Yourself

Aside from the installation itself, tackling your AC setup on your own carries broader risks. First, you risk voiding your warranty. Most manufacturers require a licensed HVAC technician to handle the installation if you want to maintain warranty coverage. Second, you might damage an expensive piece of equipment due to a mistake you might not notice until it’s too late. Some damage caused by improper installation isn’t immediately obvious—it might take weeks or months to notice something is wrong. You could be dealing with costly repairs or full replacement at that point. Safety is also a major concern. Refrigerants must be handled with care, and mistakes with electrical wiring can be dangerous or even fatal. Without the right certifications or tools, you’re potentially putting yourself and your home at risk. That’s why it’s often worth the peace of mind to invest in a professional installation from a trusted expert who can ensure every detail is handled correctly the first time around.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it takes careful thought and planning to find the perfect place for your AC installation. An air conditioning unit needs a secure, shady place free of potential hazards. To find the right HVAC for your needs—not too small or too big, but just right—consider working with us. At Ambient Cooling and Heating, we’ll be able to find the perfect AC for your Severn, MD, home and install it with ease.

We know how important it is to install an AC the right way to avoid future costly problems. With our knowledge and experience, we’ll ensure an AC installation that will be well worth the price for the many years of comfort it will bring you. Interested in a free consultation? You can contact us today and get a high-quality appliance from one of the many reputable brands we supply to our many satisfied customers.