In this article…
- Top 10 HVAC Installation Mistakes That Will Cause AC Failure
- The Importance of Proper Installation
- Understanding The Risks of Improper HVAC Installation
When your AC starts to fail, your first feeling is most likely frustration. Then discomfort. Then…panic and stress.
Now, you have to scurry to research and find the right HVAC system and the right company to hire to get the job done.
But while you may be more concerned about finding an adequate, affordable HVAC system to replace the old one, finding a trustworthy company to install it is equally, if not more, important.
Even if you find the highest-rated, energy-efficient system, if it is not installed correctly, it will fail.
At Wright Home Services, we’ve been keeping San Antonio cool with high-quality AC systems paired with expert installation since 1979.
Because we’ve been in the area for so long, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners repair and replace their faulty HVAC systems that weren’t installed correctly.
Whether you work with us or not, we want you to understand the importance of an expert and proper system installation.
This article will outline the top ways inexperienced or inadequate HVAC companies can ruin your new system, so you can understand the importance of finding the right company for your project.
Top 10 HVAC Installation Mistakes That Will Cause AC Failure
Improper HVAC installation is the number one cause for premature system failure. This is why choosing the right company that operates under expertise and care is essential to ensure your new HVAC system is installed correctly.
Let’s explore some of the most common reasons how inexperienced (or lazy) installation can ruin your new AC system and cost you more in the long run.
1. Incorrect Sizing (Undersized or Oversized Unit)
The tonnage size and SEER (system energy efficiency ratio) rating must be custom-fit for each home. Even two homes with the same square footage may need different tonnage for their AC systems.
If the AC unit is too small, it will constantly run without reaching the desired temperature, leading to increased wear and tear and higher energy bills.
If it’s too large, it will short-cycle, caused by turning on and off frequently, which puts stress on the system’s components, leading to poor humidity control, and reducing system lifespan.
2. Poor Ductwork Design or Installation
Your ductwork plays a crucial role in heating and cooling your home, as it’s responsible for transporting air to and from your home and your HVAC system.
Leaky, improperly sized, or badly routed ductwork restricts airflow and forces the system to work harder. This not only reduces comfort and efficiency but also increases wear on the blower motor and other components over time.
3. Inadequate Airflow Setup
Improper placement or sizing of return vents and supply ducts limits the amount of air moving through the system.
Restricted airflow causes coil freezing, compressor overheating, and reduced system efficiency, which will contribute to premature failure.
4. Lack of Proper Insulation or Sealing
Gaps in ductwork, poor insulation in refrigerant lines, and leaks in the return system cause energy loss and strain on the unit.
This makes the AC work harder, longer, and hotter than it should, slowly degrading performance.
5. Improper Refrigerant Charge
Refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from the air that passes through your system and leaving you with cool air inside.
Too much or too little refrigerant affects pressure levels and heat exchange, which disrupts the system’s ability to properly absorb and release heat. This can lead to poor cooling, higher energy use, or even damage to components like the compressor.
Additionally, an incorrect charge can lead to compressor damage, freezing coils, and poor cooling performance. This can lead to irreversible damage in the long run.
6. Incorrect Electrical Wiring or Breaker Sizing
An HVAC system consists of complex electrical wiring that must be handled with care and expertise.
Bad electrical work can lead to irregular performance, tripped breakers, or even damage to motors and control boards. Over time, this wears out the system’s electronics and increases the risk of costly repairs and even fire hazards.
7. Improper Drainage or Sloped Condensate Lines
An HVAC system doesn’t just consist of electrical components but plumbing components as well to allow excess moisture to properly drain.
Poor installation of the condensate drain can lead to water backing up into the unit or leaking into the home. This can cause corrosion, mold growth, and electrical damage, all of which shorten the AC’s life span.
8. Bad Thermostat Placement or Configuration
Have you ever thought about where your thermostat should be placed in your home?
If the thermostat is placed in direct sunlight, near vents, or in an isolated area, it can send incorrect signals to the system, leading to overcooling, short cycling, or inefficiency, all of which wear out the system prematurely.
9. Skipping Critical System Testing at Startup
After your new HVAC system is installed, it’s important it is properly tested to ensure everything is working properly, there are no gas leaks, or any electrical issues.
Installers should always check static pressure, airflow rates, voltage, and amperage once installed. Skipping this step means potential problems go undetected and start silently damaging the unit from day one.
10. Low-Quality or Incompatible Components Used
Using mismatched coils, incompatible thermostats, or cheap parts may save money upfront, but they can severely hinder performance and cause the system to operate outside of manufacturer specifications.
This can also void warranties and shorten the lifespan of your system.
The Importance of Proper Installation
Making sure your new HVAC system is installed properly isn’t just important…it’s a non-negotiable.
Without a proper installation, you risk experiencing a variety of problems, including having no air conditioning, and wasting thousands of dollars.
A system that is installed incorrectly is essentially doomed to fail. Even if one component isn’t installed properly, it can result in irreparable damage to the entire system, leading to another full replacement needed.
That is why finding the right company to work with for your HVAC system replacement is crucial for a successful installation and ensured comfort.
Read more about 12 qualities to look for in a high-quality HVAC company!
Understanding The Risks of Improper HVAC Installation
Now you understand the most common ways HVAC systems are improperly installed and how they affect the performance of your system.
An improper HVAC installation can be caused by inexperience, cheap materials and labor, and cutting corners.
Inexperience or inability to install an HVAC unit with care will reveal itself through
- Incorrect unit sizing (tonnage and SEER)
- Poor ductwork design
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Lack of proper airflow
- Improper drainage
And more. This can lead to electrical short-circuiting, problems with your ductwork, higher energy bills, and irreversible damage to your entire system.
Understanding the risks of an improper installation allows you to know the value of an expert, professional installation and helps you find a trustworthy company.
At Wright Home Services, our team of certified, professional technicians and installers has been providing San Antonio with reliable heating and cooling solutions since 1979.
On top of high-quality HVAC services and installation, we want to educate you first on everything you need to know regarding your HVAC replacement project. This includes understanding the cost and importance of finding a trustworthy company to work with.
To better help you in your journey to finding the right solution, check out this article that details 13 common problems that occur with an improper HVAC installation to know why you should do your research to find the right company to replace your AC and ensure a successful replacement.
