If you’re thinking of installing an air conditioning system in your home, you probably have a lot of questions about the installation process. One of the most common is how long it will take. Below, we’ll address some of the key factors that can determine the total timeframe for your AC replacement process.
Type of AC System
One of the biggest factors that will influence the AC installation timeframe for your new air conditioning system is the type of unit it is. In general, ductless mini-splits take around one day to install unless you have a larger home that requires multiple outdoor compressor units. In those cases, the installation may take a couple of days.
If you already have ductwork in your home, installing a new heat pump or central air conditioning system usually takes around one to two days to complete. If your home doesn’t have any existing ductwork and it needs to be added, this process could take a couple of days, up to a week or more.
Home Size
Another factor that will influence your installation time is the size of your home. An average 2,000 square foot home can take about one to two days for AC installation. However, homes with 3,000 square feet or more can take multiple days longer due to more components being installed. This holds especially true if your larger home is getting ductwork added to it.
Ductwork Condition
If you’re choosing to install a ducted heat pump or central air conditioning system, the state of your ductwork will have a big impact on installation time. If your ductwork is in good condition, it shouldn’t hinder the installation process at all. However, if your existing ductwork needs modifications or repairs to function appropriately, it can add additional days to your installation project. The extent of the repairs or modifications will be unique to your specific situation, and the amount of time it takes to perform those can be estimated by one of our AC installers.
Complexity Issues
Not all homes will offer a simple installation procedure. If your home has specific complexities, it can increase the installation timeframe. Some of these complexities include having a multi-story home, a very tight crawl space, or even installing the unit in your attic. If you want to add a zoning system with multiple thermostats, it will add to the timeframe due to the complexity of the wiring and additional component installation.
Electrical Work
If you have a fairly new home with a modern electrical system, your installation will be much quicker than an AC installation in an older home with outdated wiring. Sometimes, modifying or even upgrading your electrical panel or wiring is necessary to accommodate the electrical needs of your new HVAC system. Anytime that modifications or an upgrade are necessary, it can add time to your installation process.
Old Unit Removal
Another factor that will influence your installation timeframe is whether you need to have your old AC unit removed. Depending on the location of your old AC and how hard it is to remove, this can add some time. Additionally, for all ACs to be properly disposed of, our HVAC technicians must extract the outdated refrigerant from inside the unit. This requires extra time to do the extraction procedure before the unit is properly removed from your home.
Add-Ons
When installing a new home air conditioning system, it’s common for homeowners to add additional features to their AC unit to enhance their household comfort. Some of the most common include UV air purifiers, extended media filters, whole-home dehumidifiers, and smart thermostats. All these add-on features will add to the total installation time.
Permitting and Inspections
In some municipalities, it’s necessary to obtain a permit to install a new air conditioning system in your home. The timeframe for obtaining the permit will vary depending on your specific area and can add to the installation time. Additionally, sometimes the permitting process requires an inspection that must be done by a code enforcement officer. This will add to the installation time as our technicians will have to wait for the inspection to be completed.
Weather
Lastly, one other factor that can influence installation time is the weather. Unfavorable conditions like extreme heat, rain, or thunderstorms can delay outside work activities. This can extend the longevity of your installation timeframe.
Preparing for Your Installation Day
When one of our AC service consultants comes out to do a thorough assessment of your home and recommends the perfect unit to meet your cooling demands, they can provide you with an estimated timeframe for AC completion. It’s essential to plan on having someone home during the installation process to answer any questions about your home or provide any necessary guidance as needed. Below, we’ll discuss some of the best things you can do to prepare for your next AC installation.
Have a Plan for Pets and Children
During the installation process, our technicians will come in and out of your home multiple times. They also need to be working on the outside of your home to install the condenser unit and any wiring and refrigerant lines to it. Because of this maneuverability, it’s important to have a plan in place for where you’re going to have your children and your pets. Pets should be kept in a safe location away from the installation areas for everyone’s safety.
Clear the Installation Areas
Another key thing to keep in mind is you’ll want to clean up at the installation areas before the installation team arrives. If you have an existing AC unit that we’ll be removing, it’s best to declutter the space so that multiple technicians can work around the unit and remove it without bumping into any of your other household items. The same thing holds true for your outdated outdoor condenser unit.
Make Pathways Accessible
It’s important to remember that our technicians will be moving in and out of your home where your units are. It’s best to clear a spot in the driveway for the vehicle to arrive with your new air conditioner so it can be unloaded very easily. It’s necessary to have a wide space through your hallways and doors to allow our technicians to maneuver the new unit in and out of your home. They also need a clear path for removing your old condenser unit and bringing the new one in.
Purchasing a new air conditioning system can provide many great benefits for your home. From increasing your comfort during the summer months to lowering your cooling bills, updating your outdated air conditioning system can be a great option for many homeowners. To ensure a smooth installation process, it’s best to understand the installation timeframe ahead of time and properly prepare your home for the installation procedure.
Expert AC Installation Service
IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. offers expert AC installation service for the Arlington Heights, IL area. We can also help with all your AC repair, replacement, and maintenance needs. Call IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. today to book your service appointment with one of our experienced AC technicians.
