When you perform an air conditioning installation in a house or a place of business, you want to know that it'll be as long as possible before you need to have an AC replacement done. To accomplish this goal, there are several things you can do at the beginning and over the life of the system.
Understanding Capacity Requirements
Of the issues that tend to stress units prematurely, especially central air conditioning systems, mismatching a setup to a space that requires more capacity is one of the worst. Simply put, an excessively utilized system will need to spend more time running in order to cool the same amount of space. All that adds up to wear and tear, and you'll be talking with an AC replacement services provider potentially years sooner than you otherwise would.
Capacity for A/C systems is measured in tonnage or BTUs. A refrigeration ton is roughly equal to 12,000 BTUs, about the amount of energy it takes to cool 500 square feet of empty space. For every 8 hours a person will be in a space, you can add 380 BTUs of additional needs. Simply multiply by the number of people who'll be present. Anything over 5 tons of capacity is widely considered by air conditioning installation services providers to be a commercial-grade unit.
Check the Electrical System
Another problem that can shorten the time you get out of an air conditioning installation is an improperly wired electrical system in a building. If you haven't had an electrical inspection performed by a professional in the last 5 years, it's a good idea to have one done. Inform them in detail of the type of air conditioning unit you intend to add. Roughly speaking, a 1.5-ton configuration should consume about 3.5 kW per hour. It's a good idea, however, to check the manufacturer's specifications to get a precise figure.
You'll also want a qualified electrician to verify that your location is suitable for the system you're putting in. This includes checking that everything is grounded and that you'll be using the right type of power.
Drainage Issues
Air conditioning units tend to generate a lot of water, especially in high-humidity regions. You can expect a 5-ton unit, for example, to displace 60 gallons of water a day. Clearing out excess water will ensure that your new system won't be struggling to dehumidify air, reducing overall operational strain.
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