A new air conditioner ensures you will remain cool during the heat of summer, but you may need to do more than simply purchase the unit. The following tasks will help ensure that your air conditioning installation goes smoothly and that the new AC works as well as it should.

Verify the Unit Footprint

Newer air conditioner units may not be sized exactly the same as your old unit. Sometimes they are smaller, but they can also be larger or simply have a different shape all together. Since exterior units sit on either a concrete pad by your house or a rooftop pad atop your home, it's important to make sure the new unit will fit in the same space as the old. If your newer unit will be larger, you may need to have a new pad installed before you can have the air conditioner put in. Get the dimensions of the new unit in advance of installation so you can measure the pads and make plans for expansion, if necessary. If your unit goes on your roof, you will need to verify that your roof can support the weight in the event that the new unit weighs more than the old.

Inquire About Thermostat Upgrades

Your old thermostat could hold back your new air conditioner. Older thermostats may not be completely accurate, nor do they offer the functionality of the newer models. Since you will have an installation technician on your property anyway, why not have a newer unit installed. A programmable thermostat will allow you to use that new AC much more efficiently. You may even want to consider installing a smart thermostat, which can give you the ability to control your AC even when you aren't home. Some models even allow you to treat your AC like a zoned system so that you can cool each room to the desired temperature.

Consider the Need For Duct Work

At a bare minimum, have the ducts cleaned before the new air conditioner is installed. This ensures that years of accumulated dust, pet dander, and mold spores won't be pulled into your brand new unit where they can cause problems later. It's also a good idea to have the technician inspect the ductwork. They may find air leaks that need to be repaired or other issues, such as ductwork that needs to be rerouted for more efficient cooling. Having duct problems addressed at the time of installation ensures that your unit cools well and runs at its peak efficiency.

Contact an AC installation service for more help with your new air conditioner.

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