Early spring in Twin Falls, Idaho, is generally rather mild, so the functionality of your air conditioning unit may be the last thing on your mind right now. But longtime residents of Twin Falls know that summers can be oppressively hot, with temperatures in July sometimes rising into the triple digits.
While July may seem far away right now, it’s not too early to evaluate whether your air conditioning unit will make it through the upcoming summer or not. In fact, now is the perfect time to evaluate your AC system because professional installers aren’t inundated with emergency calls.
If last year’s professional AC tune-up showed that your system’s days were numbered, this is the perfect time to reach out to the Twin Falls, Idaho AC pros at Home Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your new AC installation.
While you’re waiting for the big day to arrive, you can also get set up for success by preparing your home so that your AC installation can go smoothly. Here are some easy steps you can take.
Pick Out Your New Air Conditioning System
Technology is constantly evolving, which has pros and cons. Thanks to a series of major advancements, there are a multitude of energy-efficient home air conditioning systems on the market, many of which have unique high-tech features. The only downside is that picking the right system for your home can be overwhelming and confusing.
At Home Heating & Air Conditioning, we carry a wide range of air conditioning systems that meet a variety of needs. Our knowledgeable technicians can help you to identify which air conditioning systems are the best ones for you, based on factors like:
- Your home’s square footage
- Your home’s layout
- Your personal needs
- Your budget
Working with an educated AC technician to pick out your new unit can help you feel empowered in your choices. They’ll also be able to answer specific questions that you might have about longevity or whether one brand is more prone to requiring AC repair. A good AC unit should last for 10-15 years, so you want to be as informed as possible in your decision.
Coordinate Ductwork Cleaning and Inspection with Your Installer
A lot of the things that we’re going to talk about today are small tasks that you can easily accomplish on your own. But some of the groundwork that gets done ahead of an AC installation will need to be handled by professionals. Your installer may be able to take care of them on installation day or they may prefer to cross them off the list ahead of time.
The most significant task that requires professional assistance before a new AC installation is to prepare your ductwork. The ductwork is kind of like the interstate highway of the HVAC world, as cooled air travels through your ducts for distribution. Ductwork can accumulate dirt, dust, and other allergens over time, and they can also spring leaks, which reduces the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Before you get your new AC unit installed, get a professional to give your ductwork some TLC in the form of deep cleaning. They should also check all of the ductwork for sags or rips and make sure that air isn’t leaking out anywhere, paying special attention to places where ducts connect.
A top-of-the-line new AC system needs clean and well-connected ductwork in order to function to its full capability.
Make Sure Your Pets Are Stashed Safely Away
In Twin Falls, Idaho, many homeowners are also pet lovers, who dote on their dogs, cats, or other animal pals. Even if your animals are friendly and affectionate by nature, it’s always a good idea to secure them in an out-of-the-way room behind a secure gate or a closed door when your AC installation team is working in your home.
This rule is important because it can help to protect your pets. Traditional HVAC systems have indoor and outdoor components that work together, and technicians may need to go in and out of your home several times during the installation process. Nobody wants your dog or cat to sneak out through an open door when no one’s looking.
Clear Any Debris from the Area Where Your New Outdoor AC Unit Will Reside
Most HVAC systems rely on a large, boxy outdoor condenser to serve as the backbone of your system. If you’re upgrading an existing AC system, your new condenser may simply take the place of the old one. However, your installer may have a different spot in mind that would help your new air conditioner to function at a more optimal level.
Ideally, the outdoor AC unit will be located in an open, but out-of-the-way spot. Many people position it in a lesser-used side yard, where it doesn’t detract from the home’s curb appeal. While it might be tempting to camouflage it with plants or foliage, this can actually interfere with its functionality — your unit needs three to four feet of clearance on all sides to work properly.
If you live in an especially hot area, like Twin Falls, Idaho in July, it can be helpful for your outdoor AC unit to be positioned in a shady spot. A tall tree may cast enough shade to keep your compressor cool or you can position a simple awning over it.
Remove Intrusive Items from Indoor Work Areas
The outdoor AC unit is only one part of your HVAC system. There’s also an evaporator coil indoors that works in concert with the outdoor condenser. This indoor part of the air conditioning system is usually in an out-of-the-way area, like an attic, basement, or utility closet. The issue with these out-of-sight areas is that they are often also used as storage spaces.
A day or two before your AC installation appointment, make sure to declutter the areas in which the technicians will be working so that they have ample room to maneuver around. If you have breakable items like glass Christmas ornaments that you’ve been storing nearby, consider moving them to another room entirely until after the installation is complete.
Verify That the Correct Equipment is Being Installed
At Home Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail. But we also encourage our customers to verify that the equipment that is being installed is what they expected. That’s a good rule to follow anytime that professionals are making major changes to your own home — advance verification can save everyone some time and effort.
Schedule an AC Tune-Up for Next Year
At Home Heating & Air Conditioning, we encourage our customers to get an AC tune-up service once a year. This is an important part of routine maintenance, as it can catch potential issues early on before they can become a massive and expensive AC repair project. A professional AC tune-up includes the following services:
- Calibration of thermostat
- Checking coolant levels
- Cleaning the condenser
- Electrical analysis
- Evaluation of air filters and ductwork
- Inspection of the blower motor
- Lubrication of all moving parts
Getting an annual AC tune-up every spring can help to ensure that your AC system is always working as efficiently as possible. Regular preventive maintenance can also prolong the life of your HVAC system, helping you to delay the expense of another new AC installation in the future.
Contact Home Heating & Air Conditioning for AC Installation in Twin Falls, Idaho
You may already know Home Heating & Air Conditioning as a top AC repair business in Twin Falls, Idaho. But we also provide a comprehensive suite of services that includes AC installation. Our experienced and knowledgeable team can help you to pick out the perfect air conditioning unit for your living space and install it for you.
Don’t wait until temperatures start climbing! If you need to replace your air conditioning system this year, be proactive and call today.
