The summers in New Orleans can be brutal, so you need to make sure your air conditioner is working properly. Unfortunately, not only can a broken AC unit cause you to lose your comfort, but it can also lead to serious property damage if left unattended.
That’s why you should never ignore the warning signs that your air conditioning system needs repair or maintenance. Keeping your AC running at its optimal performance is as vital to your health and safety as visits to the dentist or regular auto tune-ups!
The summer heat can make a house feel like a sauna, and you may find yourself seeking a way to keep the air cool. Installing a window air conditioner is one way to do it.
However, it is essential to ensure the installation is done correctly. This includes securing anything used to adjust the position of the AC unit, such as shims.
Determine Your Needs
Whether you’re moving into a new home, making updates to an existing one or building from scratch, choosing the right air conditioning system for your home is crucial to keeping your family comfortable. Your needs for an AC unit can vary widely depending on the size, style and features of your home.
The first step in determining the best AC system for your home is to determine your energy efficiency goals and what type of heating and cooling you want to use. Then, a professional HVAC contractor can perform an air conditioning calculator to show you what size system is needed for your specific needs. Other factors that play a role in determining the correct size include your ceiling height, the number and type of windows and how much insulation you have in your home.
Determine the Size of the Room
The size of the room is a critical factor in determining what type of air conditioner will be most effective for your space. Generally, Energy Star expects you to need around 20 BTUs per square foot of floor area for an air conditioning unit.
To calculate the room’s square footage, multiply the length and width of a room. If the room is an odd shape, divide it into smaller rectangles or triangles and combine the measurements of those polygons to get a better idea of how much space the room actually takes up.
Once you have this information, it’s a simple matter to determine the air conditioner’s capacity in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A one-ton AC is usually adequate for a room that measures under 300 square feet, while a three-ton air conditioning unit is recommended for homes that are between 1,800 and 2,100 square feet.
Select the Right Unit
When it comes to Air Conditioning Installation in New Orleans LA, choosing the right unit is one of the most important aspects. It helps you stay comfortable during the hottest days of summer and reduces your electricity bill in the long run.
The square footage of the room you want to cool is the primary factor that determines the size of the system. Once you know how large the room is, you can calculate the BTUs needed to properly cool the space.
Once you have the room’s BTUs, you can then use this information to find the perfect unit for your home. Make sure that you select a high efficiency unit that will save you money on your energy bills!
Select the Right Location
Choosing the right location for your air conditioning installation is a crucial step to ensure that you get the most efficiency from the unit and that it runs at a low cost. Having your unit installed in the wrong place can lead to higher energy costs and more costly repairs.
Fortunately, you have many options when it comes to selecting the perfect location for your new air conditioner. An experienced HVAC professional can point you in the right direction and help you choose a spot that works best for your home.
Install the Unit
Installing a new AC can be a complex task. It may involve removing drywall, pouring concrete or climbing on the roof.
Unless you have a team, hiring a contractor to do the work may be cheaper and less time-consuming than trying to complete the job yourself. Additionally, hiring a contractor eliminates the need for permits and other paperwork.
Most window air conditioners come with mounting rails and flanges that make installation easier. Typically, these rails extend from the top of the unit to the bottom of the window.