HVAC and Air Conditioning Installation Explained
- susan4434
- Jun 23, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 16, 2021
A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes the technology and parts installed in a home that control the indoor climate, temperature and air flow. An air conditioner is one part of an HVAC system. Air Control of Northwest Arkansas installs, services and repairs HVAC systems and air conditioners.
If you are building a home or need to replace an HVAC or air conditioner, this article explains the process of installation. The information below dives into how a technician installs a HVAC system or air conditioner.
The installation of an HVAC system is a complex process, often completed during the construction of a home. Typically, specially trained technicians install HVAC systems and air conditioners. Described below are more details on the process of installation.
Types of HVAC systems
There are four HVAC systems typically installed in homes. Each of these systems requires different installation processes. The four common types of HVAC systems are:
Split System
Ductless Split System
Packaged (Gas/Electric, Heat Pump, Air Conditioning and Hybrid)
Geothermal
Split System
A split HVAC system means one component resides inside the home and another sits outside the home. A split HVAC system remains the most common HVAC system installed in homes. You can identify a split HVAC system by an outside metal box air conditioning unit and a component housed inside the home.
The outside unit is the air conditioner condensing unit. The inside unit is the air handler or furnace (typically a gas furnace). The furnace houses the evaporator coil and blower, which capture heat and send it through the ductwork by refrigerant lines. These copper refrigerant lines connect the furnace to the air conditioner unit.
An HVAC split system allows climate control throughout a home, including multiple zone controls. A split system is also an energy-efficient choice, with high-level SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) ratings for most equipment. A split system also requires less maintenance compared to other HVAC systems.
Although installing an HVAC system without training is possible, it is best to hire a trained professional to conduct the installation. Installing a split HVAC system requires several steps, including:
Sizing and evaluating the house for the appropriately sized system.
Ordering, receiving and inspecting all equipment and parts.
Filing necessary permits.
Installing ductwork.
Creating a stable space for the air conditioning condenser unit, including placing a concreate for the unit’s permanent housing.
Running and installing electrical wiring.
Installing system.
Testing system.
Final inspections.
Filing warranty.
Air Control will seamlessly install the HVAC system from assessment to clean up and warranty set up. Installation includes several actions trained professionals perform, such as checking the integrity of the air conditioning slab, sealing all duct spaces and more.
Ductless Split System
A ductless split system perfectly fits a home without existing ductwork or room for an indoor furnace. Like the traditional split HVAC system, ductless mini-split systems include an outdoor and indoor unit connected by refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring. The indoor unit fans move air throughout the room.
HVAC technicians typically install these systems on walls, ceilings or floors.
There are two types of ductless mini-split systems:
Heating and cooling systems
Mini-split AC systems, which only serve as air conditioners
A benefit of ductless split systems includes greater control of temperature levels in each room. These systems run efficiently. And, several manufacturers offer models with different energy efficiency rating levels.
Installing a ductless system is somewhat easier than a traditional HVA split system. The installation requires the following steps:
Sizing and evaluating the house for the appropriately sized system.
Ordering, receiving and inspecting all equipment and parts.
Creating a stable space for the air conditioning units.
Installing the indoor unit, which includes:
Mounting the unit directly to wall studs if installing on walls.
Drilling holes for refrigerant lines.
Running and installing electrical wiring.
Running and installing piping
Installing the outdoor unit
Testing system
Filing warranty
Although a ductless split system can be installed without professional help, setting up a service call with an Air Control technician has several benefits, including:
Assessing home requirements.
Ordering parts.
Ensuring connections are secure.
Handling dangerous refrigerants.
Checking electrical.
A ductless mini-split system often works best if a professional air conditioning technician installs it. Air Control offers professional installation of HVAC ductless split systems and room air conditioning units.
Packaged (Gas/Electric, Heat Pump, Air Conditioning and Hybrid)
A packaged HVAC system configures well in smaller homes that do not have the capacity for a split system. These one-unit systems control airflow and temperature efficiently at lower costs. Packaged HVAC systems work well in smaller and manufactured homes.
A packaged unit saves space, is less expensive and quieter while running. There are four types of packaged HVAC systems:
Gas/Electric: These units combine gas furnace heating with electric cooling.
Heat Pump: Includes the air handler and heat pump in one unit.
Air Conditioning Units: Includes electric air conditioning and air handler in one unit.
Hybrid: A heat pump and gas heating system combined in one unit.
The ability to install packaged systems on a building's rooftop offers added security against theft and vandalism. A unit on the rooftop is not an easy target for those looking to steal valuable copper components or cause damage.
A packaged HVAC system works well in smaller homes that do not have room for an indoor furnace unit or lack a basement or crawl space. A HVAC professional will install this type of system on a home’s roof or cement slab outside the home. Packaged HVAC systems still require ductwork to connect the outdoor unit to the home’s rooms.
If you have the DIY talent, you can install a packaged HVAC system yourself. However, the packaged system still requires several complicated installation steps, including ductwork. In most cases, a professional HVAC technician should install a packaged HVAC system.
Geothermal
A geothermal HVAC system is a high-efficiency heat pump that moves heated water from the ground to the air to heat and cool a home. The same principles that are in use with traditional HVAC systems apply to geothermal HVAC systems as well. An electrical heat pump cycles water or refrigerant through underground pipes transferring air from the ground to the home.
A geothermal HVAC system reduces energy usage substantially. The systems are suitable for the environment since they use renewable resources generated from the earth. These systems also last significantly longer than traditional HVAC systems.
Although geothermal systems provide significant energy savings, installing a geothermal heating system requires professional installation and additional specialized equipment and equipment. An installer must be certified in geothermal heating to install this type of system.
Final Thoughts
A professional installation offers an assured and proper installation of a wall-unit air conditioning unit or a full-home split HVAC system. HVAC technicians will:
Professionally assess a home for the appropriately sized HVAC system.
Ensure all parts are ordered and are in working condition.
Install the system correctly, including ductwork and running electrical wiring and piping.
Safely fun and test the HVAC system.
Air Control of Northwest Arkansas employs trained and reliable technicians to install HVAC home systems from initial assessment to maintenance. If you require an installation or replacement of your home’s HVAC system, Air Control can professionally meet all of your HVAC requirements.
Air Control services all air conditioners sold at Lowe’s home improvement and Sam’s Club stores in the area. As the official service provider for Northwest Arkansas, Sam’s Club and Lowe’s require our technicians to receive additional background checks and training before calling on any homes for service or installation.
If you are considering a new or replacement system, or require HVAC service, call Air Control at 479-756-0199, or enter your information online to set up an appointment with a professionally trained technician.
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