Can I Install My Own Air Conditioner?

air conditioner installed outside

Why get an air conditioner installed? 

If you’ve priced getting central air condition installation, you probably have asked yourself, “Can I install my own air conditioner?”. The answer is probably, but experts recommend having somebody who has been trained and knows how to install an air conditioner to do that job.

If you have lived in the south one summer, you know why you need air conditioner installation in your home. It is miserable without for starters, but we have other factors to consider about having air conditioner installation: 

Fewer Trees, More Vehicles: We don’t have as many trees as we did when the installation was few and far between in-home air condition installation. There are more infrastructures, which have taken away our trees, creating that urban heat island everyone is discussing. We have more vehicles on the road that generate heat and put more fumes in the air. 

Your Health:  Many people have trouble breathing in high temperatures. Some health issues that can be eased with air condition installation: 

  • Heat exhaustion 
  • Heatstroke
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dehydration 
  • Fatigue 
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fainting
  • Nauseating 

Protect Your Belongings: Your furniture, pictures, even your clothing will do better in a cooler environment that an air conditioner installation will provide. Keeps wood furniture healthier so that it last longer by keeping from drying out. Your electronics will do better in cooler air, too, because they are getting overheated. 

Fresh Air: Air condition installation will disperse cold, fresh air throughout your home as it sucks out the contaminated air from all the things that fill our homes. 

Productivity Increased: When you’re living and working in extreme heat conditions, you become exhausted and winded faster, and less productive. With air-condition installation, you’re more comfortable and more productive.  The brain is getting more oxygen and working better too! 

Security: The days of leaving all the windows open at night are gone today. You can’t sleep safe and secure with all your windows open anymore. A professional air conditioner installation will make you home safer at night while you sleep relaxed and comfortable. 

Relaxed Sleep: Trying to sleep in hot, humid temperatures is miserable and almost impossible. Air-condition installation will give your bedroom a cooler temperature, is relaxing for the heart, and keeps the blood pressure at a safe level because you’re breathing more comfortable. 

What size AC do I need?

When it comes to determining the unit’s right size for your air conditioner installation, there are a few factors to consider, such as the ceiling height, the insulation type and thickness in the attic, and the house’s size. Central air conditioners are measured by tonnage, meaning a one-ton air conditioner can cool 12,000 BTU within an hour, and a two-ton air conditioner can cool up to 24,000 in one hour. 

To calculate whether you need 1 ton or 2 ton, you need to know your home’s square footage and then use math to figure it there.  The following is an example of a 1,500 square foot home: 

  • 1,500 X 30 = 45,000 / 12,000 = 3.75 – 1.0 = 2.75

You would need a central air conditioner installation for a 3-ton unit. Your air condition installation contractor can help you with this calculation. It could vary for homes where the air is more arid or humid. 

Does Central AC add value to a home?

Maybe. Whether or not the system is brand new or relatively new won’t be noticed as much as not having it air condition installation or proper working system. Without any air conditioning in your home, especially here in Texas or any southern state, you’ll have a hard time selling. Real estate experts estimate a house with air condition installation already in place will get up to 10% more in selling price. This falls short of what a new air condition installation job cost, though. 

Is central air worth the cost?

That depends.  Are you having central air condition installation done for resale value (see the question above), or are you having it done for your comfort? Then you need to question the cost of a central air conditioner installation versus window units. Central air is considered superior by most people, but when you look at the cost of central air conditioner installation and repair and operating energy, window units give it central a run. 

air conditioner systems outside of a home

Which is better ductless AC or central AC?

The answer to this is going to depend on your situation. A ductless air conditioning system and central air condition have two things in common: 

  • There are two component to both
  • Coolant passes between the two components to cool the indoors

In a central air system, the cold air goes through the air handler into the ductwork and then throughout the house. A ductless system utilizes a slim cable between a box on your wall and the condenser. There is no ductwork or floor vents (thus the name ductless).  With that information, ask yourself these questions to help determine which is air condition installation is better for your situation: 

  1. Is There Existing Ductwork? With ductwork in place already, go with central air condition installation. You’re already ahead of the game!  
  2. Do Want to See  Your Air Conditioner? A central air conditioner is hidden in a closet. The ductless system will be on the wall. 
  3. How Big Is Your Home? A ductless system isn’t going to cool a home bigger than 2,000 square feet. 
  4. Will Noise Bother You? The  ductless systems are going to be quieter.
  5. How Budget Concerned Are You? Ductless air conditioning starts around $2,000 for a single unit. A central air condition system can cost $5,000 and up. 
  6. Is Energy Efficiency Important to You? With a central air condition installation, if the ductwork isn’t done right, you’ll lose energy efficiency. With a ductless system, there aren’t any air duct concerns. 
  7. Is Individual Zoning Better for Your Situation? 

Ductless is excellent for zone control air conditioning, and it is a cheaper way to go. 

Your home is a valuable investment. You want to choose the air conditioner installation that works best for your use and your budget and into your future. Ask questions, do research, and talk to neighbors, family, and friends about what they have and why it works for them. Call Cajun Comfort today at 985-764-8191 to get started on your air condition installation in Norco and New Orleans, LA.