AC Installation do-it-Yourself Project—What to Consider

Installing a room air conditioner is normally an easy project but when you are installing one that goes outside and will cool your entire home will take specific tools and skills. If you do not have these skills or tools it is best to contact an ac installation contractor. If you decide to install it yourself you will first need to make a detailed plan. This is not going to be a weekend project and will take some time. The key to being successful is to be prepared. This means that you have enough material and the correct tools to complete the project before you even begin.

You may need to have professional assistance with the plumbing, carpentry, ductwork, and cooper pipes. When making your plan you need to consider three things, which are:

• The location of the air conditioning unit
• The size of the unit that you will need to cool your home
• The total area that you are going to need cooled

Before you cut any pipe and try to install them you should also have a very detailed pipe diagram.

It would help if you could find an online air conditioner capacity calculator. This will help you determine what you need for a specific installation. One important thing to remember when deciding where to place the unit is that it needs to be placed away from the exterior wall. This is so the vibration of the air conditioner when it comes on and goes off is not transmitted back into your home. Being away from the wall will also allow for easy access for air conditioning repair and maintenance. The best location to place your air conditioning unit would allow for:

• Easy access to the exte
al wall for the drainage pipe, electrical wiring to connect the outside unit, and copper pipes
• Air distribution throughout the entire house
• The drainage pipe to be positioned for easy draining without pooling

Some of the tools that you will need for this project include:

• A pipe cutter
• A refrigerant manifold gauge
• A vacuum pump
• Hose set

You will need to make sure that the area where your ac installation is going to take place that there needs to be a stable, solid pad on which to place the unit. It should be concrete, a composite material that is suitable for being outdoors long-term, or wood that is weather-resistant.

Before purchasing your air conditioner unit check the warranty as some are invalid if the unit is self-installed.