Installing a new air conditioning system is more involved than most homeowners expect. Each step requires expertise and attention to detail, from pre-installation planning to final commissioning.
Whether upgrading an aging unit or cooling a new space, knowing what to expect from your air conditioner installation can make the process smooth and stress-free.
Before Installation: Planning and Preparation
Choosing Alfa Services to handle your air conditioner installation is the first step in a successful, stress-free experience. But before our team arrives on-site, a few important tasks need to happen to ensure everything goes as planned.
Site Inspection and Evaluation
Our certified technician will visit your home to evaluate your current HVAC system and the installation site. We assess things like existing ductwork, electrical capacity, and space constraints. If the outdoor unit area is obstructed by landscaping or uneven ground, we’ll note that and arrive prepared with the right materials and tools on installation day.
This proactive approach helps prevent delays and ensures your installation is done right the first time.
How You Can Prepare
As the homeowner, there are a few things you can do to help your AC installation team work efficiently and safely:
- Secure pets and children: Keep them away from the work zone.
- Clear the area: Move any furniture, valuables, or decorations away from the indoor and outdoor units.
- Provide access: Ensure we can easily reach the furnace room, breaker panel, and outdoor space.
What Happens on Installation Day
On arrival, our team will introduce themselves and confirm the installation details with you. We’ll lay down protective cloths to shield your floors, prep our tools, and start by shutting off power and gas to the existing system to ensure safety for all.
The Installation Process
Once preparation is complete, the actual installation begins. While each home is unique, a typical AC installation can usually be completed in one day.
Removing the Existing System
Before any equipment is removed, our certified technicians recover the refrigerant from your old unit using government-approved equipment.
Refrigerants are tightly regulated and must never be released into the atmosphere. This is done with a recovery machine operated by licensed professionals.
After refrigerant recovery, the electrical circuit is turned off. We disconnect the existing wiring and, if necessary, install a new service disconnect box to bring your system up to code.
Once the wiring is safely removed, we remove the old outdoor unit and begin prep work for the new one.
Preparing the Installation Area
The ground beneath the old air conditioner may have shifted over time. Our team will level the area and install a proper pad to support the new unit. This step is critical—an uneven surface can compromise the performance and lifespan of your system.
Trees, fences, or walls that interfere with airflow may also need to be trimmed or adjusted to meet manufacturer specifications for proper spacing and ventilation.
These early steps help ensure your new system operates safely and efficiently for years.
Removing the Old Equipment
Removing outdated HVAC equipment involves more than hauling the old AC unit away. Several components must be carefully taken apart and safely disposed of.
Indoor Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil, located near your furnace, connects to the outdoor unit via refrigerant lines. Removing this coil requires detaching the surrounding metal plenum, which can be challenging if the coil is housed in a tight space like a closet or finished basement. Our technicians work carefully to avoid damaging surrounding finishes.
If access is restricted, additional labour or modifications may be required. Our team will keep you informed and provide a cost estimate before proceeding with any additional work.
Copper Line Set
The refrigerant line set—a pair of copper tubes—carries refrigerant and lubricating oil between the indoor and outdoor components. These lines are often hidden behind walls or buried beneath floors. Because older oil types can’t mix with newer refrigerants, replacing the line set entirely is best.
If replacement isn’t feasible, our technicians may flush the existing lines and conduct a pressure test to confirm integrity. Safety and performance remain our top priorities during this critical phase.
Installing New Equipment
Now comes the exciting part—installing your new, high-efficiency air conditioner.
New Evaporator Coil
Depending on your setup, you’ll receive either a cased or uncased evaporator coil. A cased coil sits on top of the furnace and is easier to install and maintain. An uncased coil requires more customization but performs just as well when installed correctly.
Both options offer reliable cooling when installed to manufacturer specifications.
New Line Set and Filter Drier
A new refrigerant line set is installed with minimal bends and secure brackets every 4 to 6 feet. We also add a filter drier, which keeps moisture and debris from damaging the system.
Afterwards, we run a vacuum test to check for leaks.
Outdoor Unit and Pad
The new AC unit is unboxed and inspected for damage. Then it’s mounted on a level pad outside, and the refrigerant lines are brazed (welded) to the unit’s service valves for a leak-free seal.
Electrical and Drainage Connections
We install a new disconnect box and connect it to your electrical panel. The condensate drain line, which funnels moisture away during operation, is secured and tested to prevent leaks that could damage your home.
System Start-Up
Your technician will power up the system, test for proper operation, and ensure your thermostat is synced and calibrated correctly.
After Installation
After installation, we clean up thoroughly—your home will look just like it did before we arrived. A technician will walk you through the system components, explain how to use your new thermostat and provide warranty and maintenance information so you can enjoy worry-free comfort.
Call Alfa Services Today!
For professional, efficient air conditioner installation in Vancouver and surrounding areas, trust the experienced team at Alfa Services.
We’re here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and deliver lasting home comfort. Call Alfa Services or request your free estimate online today.
