How to Prepare for Air Conditioning Installation

If the air in your home is feeling stale, or you're battling inconsistent hot and cold temperatures, it might be a sign that your electric heat and air unit need replacing. Too many costly repairs, extreme temperatures, and general discomfort typically mean your HVAC is too old or overworked to heat and cool your home properly. Instead of battling the North Carolina weather outdoors and indoors, the better choice is to install a brand new HVAC unit.

In North Carolina, the summers can be brutally hot, especially throughout the Piedmont Triad. If you’re a Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Clemmons, or Climax local, you know exactly what we’re talking about. The heat and constant humidity can be very uncomfortable, but the North Carolina heat is a little more manageable thanks to the wonders of air conditioning.

But, what happens if you’re suddenly experiencing a faulty air conditioning system that can’t handle the brutal heat? Depending on what a licensed HVAC technician says, you probably need a brand new air conditioning system that can handle the unpredictable summer weather - or else you’ll face an uncomfortable summer with unnecessarily high energy bills.

If the annual HVAC service doesn’t resolve the problem, it’s time to upgrade your current air conditioning system. Luckily, there are plenty of benefits that come with upgrading your system, like more airflow and increased energy efficiency. However, preparing for an air conditioning installation is essential before technicians go and work in your home.

If you’re planning on upgrading your air conditioning system before the summer heat kicks in or have grown tired of dealing with a faulty system, there are a few things you’ll need to do to prep. That’s why we’re outlining what you need to know to prepare yourself and your home for air conditioning installation.

Things to Decide Before AC Installation

Before installing a new AC system, there are a few things that need to be discussed beforehand. As residential HVAC installers, we want to ensure our customers have the best possible service and experience, but that requires making a few decisions before installation day.

Some things to consider are:

• The Unit
• Finding a suitable AC unit comes down to cost, size, and overall efficiency. This decision isn’t something you want to rush - it needs to last you for the next 15-20 years! At Swaim Electric, we’re certified Trane Comfort specialists who know how to find the best units for our customers’ needs and budget. Together, we can select the right AC unit for your needs and discuss financing your AC unit. 
  
  
• Smart Thermostat
• More and more people are integrating smart home thermostats into their lives because they can be highly cost-effective for their needs long term. If that’s something you’d like to have in your home, we can discuss which smart thermostats are compatible with your new AC unit.
  
  
• The Installation Date
• AC installation isn’t a long, ongoing process, but it does take quite some time to complete. Being at home the day of installation for a few hours is something you’ll need to consider before we get started, so think about when you’ll be ready for an AC installation.
  
  
  

How to Prep Your Home for Air Conditioning Installation

Once the above factors are decided, we can begin preparing your home for AC installation! Before installing the new unit, you can do a few things to streamline the process. Installation typically isn’t lengthy, but a few things make the entire process much smoother and efficient.

• Clean the Ductwork
• Any ductwork that’s filled with dirt, dust, and other debris isn’t going to help your new AC unit run smoothly - plus, it can cause allergens and dust to build up in your home! Be sure to clean and air out your ductwork before installation, so you’re not facing these allergies and setbacks once your new unit is installed.
  
  
• Change the Air Filters
• Like your ductwork, old dust-filled air filters aren’t ideal before installing a new air conditioning unit. Be sure to have fresh air filters installed once your ductwork is clean, and you’ll have clean air flowing throughout your home!
  
  
• Make Enough Room for the Unit
• Depending on where your HVAC system is installed, make sure there is an easy way to access the unit. Debris and clutter should be removed, so the technician has no problem removing the old unit and installing the new one.
  
  
• Talk to your AC Installer
• Review the plan with your HVAC technician a few days before their scheduled appointment. See what their goal is for the installation, and confirm the window of time needed to complete installation.
  
  
• Review the Unit
• On the day off, be sure to confirm the unit is what you wanted. We’re incredibly thorough throughout our services, but it’s good to have the customer inspect the unit before we get to work!

Once the following are complete, our technicians will be able to install your air conditioning system, leaving behind nothing but clean and cool air for you and your family! For more info, review our guide on What to Know Before Your HVAC Installation.

What to Expect During Air Conditioning Installation 

On the day of installation, our technicians will start installing your air conditioning unit from the outside, securing your outdoor unit before starting internal work. Having the outdoor portion complete ensures everything runs smoothly indoors, and we can install the proper tubes and wiring with ease.

Once installation is complete, our technicians test your system to ensure it runs properly and nothing is out of place. We also review your new AC unit’s operations and inner workings, so you feel comfortable operating it and know what to look for if any issues should arise.

Schedule Air Conditioning Installation in North Carolina with Swaim Electric

At Swaim Electric, we understand how important it is to have a reliable air conditioning system. Our team is here to help make your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible with our incredible Trane HVAC systems. If you need a new HVAC system in North Carolina, contact our team of experts. We can provide you with the best Trane HVAC Installation in Greensboro, Winston Salem, NC, and other areas in the Piedmont Triad and greater Jordan Lake area.

Does your AC system just need a tune-up? Then it might be time to opt into an HVAC Maintenance Contract! For more HVAC advice, review our Preventative HVAC Maintenance Checklist!