Central A/C Installation

Installation of a central air conditioning system is a complex task that takes a lot of time, hard work, and skill. Since the job will most likely require you to tear up floors or take down ceilings to run ductwork, it's best to hire a contractor to make sure the job is done right. If you try it yourself and aren't sure of what you're doing, you could end up with a severely damaged home. Additionally, A/C systems that aren't installed by professionals may not be covered under your home insurance, should they become damaged at any point. That being said, here's a look at what the installation process entails:

Components
Here's a list of the main components of a central A/C System:

A/C Installation

The first things your contractor will need to consider are the layout of the ducts and where the inside and outside units of the system will need to be placed. You'll need ducts reaching into each room of your home, with exhaust vents located in spots that will most efficiently cool each room. Larger rooms may require multiple exhaust vents. How the ducts run through the walls and ceiling of your home will also need to be carefully considered. They'll need to be navigated along the most direct and efficient paths possible. Air can lose its coldness if it travels through too much ductwork.

To prepare your home for the ducts, paths will need to be cleared along the duct routes. This could mean cutting through joists or relocating wiring. All throughout this process, your contractor will need to pay close attention to all pertinent building codes regarding ductwork.


In addition to hiring a contractor to do the installation, you'll probably need to hire an electrician to the electrical work. Your contractor will probably take care of this for you or at least be able to give you a few leads on electricians. These professionals should have your central air conditioning system up and running and your house cooling down in no time!