Upgrading Your Home’s AC System: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Air conditioning in your home is critical for maintaining a comfortable living environment, especially during hot summer months. Over time, your AC system may need to be upgraded or replaced, due to wear and tear or outdated technology. In this article, we’ll discuss the process of upgrading your home’s AC system with a focus on the replacement of the outdoor AC unit.
The Old AC Unit: Time for Replacement
Our current outdoor unit was installed by Fernando around 2009. Since then, several repairs and tweaks have been made to keep it functioning, including recharging the system due to a small leak in the compressor and fixing electronic issues. While this unit has served us well for over 11 years, it has finally reached a point where it needs to be replaced.
Choosing the Right AC Unit
In consultation with Fernando, we decided to replace our old unit with a 3-ton Goodman AC unit. This unit comes pre-charged and features industry-standard parts, making it more affordable and easier to maintain than some other premium brands. When choosing an AC unit for your home, consider factors such as the size and cooling capacity required for your space, energy efficiency, and potential repair and maintenance expenses.
Removing the Old AC Unit:
Before installing the new AC unit, the old one must be removed. Fernando helped us disconnect and remove the old unit, which was then taken off the property for disassembly and scrapping. It’s essential to work with a professional when removing your AC unit, as they have the right equipment and experience to handle the job safely.
Recovering Coolant from the Old Unit:
Air conditioning units contain refrigerant, which must be recovered before the unit is disposed of. Fernando used a homemade pump to extract the coolant from our old unit, with the refrigerant being collected in a separate tank. Proper handling and disposal of refrigerant are crucial, as it can be harmful to the environment if released.
Installing the New AC Unit
Once the old unit was removed, it was time to install the new Goodman AC unit. The process involved:
- Unloading and positioning the new unit in place.
- Connecting the appropriate wiring and electrical connections.
- Attaching the refrigerant lines, which were pre-charged with coolant.
- Releasing the coolant from the new unit into the system, by opening a valve.
Once the installation was complete, we tested the new AC unit to ensure it was functioning correctly. The unit proved to be quieter and more energy-efficient than our old system, providing an overall improvement in performance.
The Importance of Professional Installation
Upgrading your home’s AC system is a significant investment, and proper installation is key to ensuring your new unit functions at peak efficiency. In our case, working with Fernando, an experienced AC professional, was crucial to the successful upgrade of our system.
Experts like Fernando can help you choose the right AC unit for your home and needs, handle the removal of your old system safely, and ensure your new unit is installed correctly.
Conclusion
Upgrading your home’s AC system can be a necessary but stressful process. However, working with a knowledgeable and experienced AC professional can make the experience much smoother. If you’re considering upgrading your AC system, take the time to research your options and find an installer you trust. With the right AC unit and professional installation, you’ll soon enjoy the benefits of a more efficient and effective home cooling system.
