An AC unit can run the gamut from a portable AC all the way to a full-fledged, ducted HVAC system. The installation time can range from minutes to a full-working day. The “one-size fits all” response to this question is…it depends.
To determine what kind of cooling solution would address your needs, you first must measure the space that needs cooling. The British thermal unit (BTU) is the metric used to describe energy needs. Estimating 20 BTU for every square foot is a useful guideline to calculate energy needs:
As an example, 10 feet wide by 12 feet deep or 120 square feet (about the area of an apartment bedroom) would need 2,400 BTU.Five standard BTU ranges for air conditioners are:
- Under 2,400 BTU (could cool up to 120 square feet)
- 2,401 – 5,100 BTU (up to ~250 square feet)
- 5,100 – 8,000 BTU (up to ~400 square feet)
- 8,000 – 12,000 BTU (up to ~600 square feet)
- 12,000+ BTU
A more complete analysis would consider ceiling height, insulation, air tightness, windows, and building materials, among other things.
COOLING ONE ROOM
You may only need to cool a limited amount of space – such as an office or a bedroom. If you are renting, it might be cost-prohibitive to invest in ductwork or electrical work.
A window unit might suffice. The time needed to size plywood and bolt in the unit would be an hour, assuming you had proper tools and some handy skills. The potential need for insulation and a safely mounted AC might require a carpenter. Another solution might be a window-saddle heat pump that can be placed on a windowsill.
A portable unit may be a simpler solution. Moving the unit is made easier with wheels. However, the need to vent the unit might require a glass cutter or a makeshift panel to place in a window. The installation time needed could be a matter of minutes.
COOLING AND HEATING MULTIPLE ROOMS
An HVAC system install typically takes a working day. Having said that – size matters. A 600 square foot apartment condominium will be a quicker installation than a 10,000 square foot mansion with multiple floors.
Other factors that extend that time include:
- Specific equipment such as split or packaged air conditioner?
- Existing system or complete replacement / new installation?
- Ductless or ducted?
A packaged air conditioner has both a condenser and coil together in a single structure. Packaged air conditioners are smaller and can be placed on a rooftop.
A split air conditioner separates the condenser from the evaporative coil. The two components are joined by copper tubing that transfers the refrigerant. Typically, the condenser is outside while the coil is inside the house.
The disadvantage of a split system is the additional size needed. The advantages of a split air-conditioner include:
- More flexible placement options including closets, attics, or garages
- Less expensive to fix and easier to maintain
- Runs quieter
Being able to replace an air-conditioner unit while taking advantage of ductwork already in place would save time. Having to install extensive ductwork would take time.
An equipment-only replacement of a split system AC or heat pump might take 10-man hours for most installs. The project would include:
- Removing the old equipment
- installing new equipment
- pressure testing and calibrating the thermostat
- vacuuming the lines
- charging the system
- provisioning the equipment
A system that included a furnace would require 4 additional hours due to the need for gas and flue piping.
Ductless AC units can be installed for aesthetics or space constraints.
Extensive ductwork could take up to 4 working days, depending on the location and amount needed. Accessibility impacts time. For example, routing through crawl space or a tight ceiling space will require more time.
Do not take chances with your air conditioner installation. Even a window unit could be poorly installed and result in an expensive accident.
Hire a licensed and certified professional company like Thermodynamix to ensure that your AC installation is done correctly with the right equipment. Contact us today at (914) 909 – 4108 to begin the process.
It might be time to replace your unit if it is:
- Over 15 years old
- Doesn’t work as well as it used to
- Cycles on and off too frequently
- Generates high energy bills
- Leaks Freon or water
- Is causing humidity
- Emanates unusual smells
- Makes loud noises
Hire a licensed and certified company to ensure that your AC installation is done professionally with the right equipment. Contact us today on (914) 909 – 4108 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Financing is available with approved credit.