Comfort Resource

When it comes to central heating and cooling, product performance and reliability, must relies heavily on the dealer's ability to design and install a system compatible for your home. According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA, an elite organization of heating and cooling contractors), there are three major factors that will impact your system's performance:

• Design

• Installation

• Commissioning

Here is a summary of how the process should flow.

Step 1.
Design work consists of the dealer:

• Asking the homeowner questions about comfort needs and inspecting the home.
• Selecting the type of system and equipment (plus operating and safety controls) that are compatible with the architecture of your home (you may need zoning in your home), fuel availability, fuel costs, the space available for equipment and duct runs, appearance issues and project cost.
• Comparing the marginal cost of an increased increment of efficiency with the potential savings and the return on this investment. There are numerous efficiencies available, and depending on where you live, or how long you plan to live there, the payback on the most efficient products are not always the best choice.
• Performing load calculations for each room and the load on the central unit(s).
• Use the proper industry manual procedures and manufacturers' data to select, size and place equipment, supply outlets, ducts and returns.

Step 2.
Installation work consists of the dealer:

• Installing to local, state and federal codes, and utility regulations.
• Installing the indoor and outdoor equipment. A split system is the most common installation.
• Installing the refrigerant lines.
• Installing supply air outlets and returns, if they do not exist or are inadequate.
• Installing duct runs (must be sealed and insulated to R-6 or R-8 if in unconditioned space), if they do not exist or are inadequate.
• Installing control system, such as thermostats and/or zoning controls.
• Installing furnace gas piping and vent (if applicable).
• Charging the refrigerant system.

Step 3.
Commissioning work consists of the dealer:

• Checking all control cycles.
• Checking refrigerant charge.
• Checking all power supplies, connections, fuel trains and vents.
• Measuring and adjusting air flow at the unit and at the rooms (balancing work).
• Educating the homeowner about the system and equipment (provide all instructions and manufacturer's documents, including warranties).

For tips on selecting the right dealer Click here

For a helpful list of industry terms and their definitions. Click here