Author: Leonie Green

Why Ductwork and Thermostat Replacement Are Essential to AC Installation

Leonie Green HVAC , , , , ,

The air conditioner’s ductwork should be inspected for leaks and other issues that reduce efficiency. The technician will also evaluate if your current ductwork is compatible with the new air conditioning unit. Contact Air Conditioning Installation Provo UT for professional help.

AC Installation

The assessment will help determine the correct AC size for your space. A system that is too big won’t cool properly, while a system that is too small will turn on and off constantly, wasting energy. 

Ductwork is the circulatory system of an HVAC setup, facilitating the movement of both conditioned and unconditioned air throughout living spaces. A network of passages crafted from materials like sheet metal or flex duct, it’s essential to efficient heating and cooling in residential and commercial buildings.

A proper installation starts with a comprehensive assessment of the home’s existing ducts, as well as an analysis of new room additions or changes in use since the original system was installed. This includes a visual inspection of the ducts and their connections, testing for leaks using specialized equipment, and a performance evaluation.

It’s also critical to make sure the ductwork is properly sized for the home and equipment. The process of sizing ductwork involves complex calculations to ensure that the ductwork matches the demands of the home and system, optimizing efficiency and comfort. It also includes a review of the ductwork design, layout, and construction to ensure that it’s safe for long-term operation.

In many cases, the existing ductwork can be used with a new HVAC system, though in other situations it must be replaced. For example, if your house is older and you’ve added rooms or an extension since the original system was installed, it’s likely that your ductwork is too small to handle the additional demand for heat and cool air.

The cost of installing ductwork depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of your home, how many ducts you need, and what type of ducts you choose. Most contractors offer both flexible and rigid ducting options, which are typically made from aluminum or galvanized steel, and come in various sizes to suit your home’s needs. Rigid ducts are generally thicker and more durable than flexible ducts, and they may offer better heat retention or noise reduction than flexible ducts.

If you opt for rigid ducts, your contractor will need to cut holes in the walls and ceiling where the ductwork will run. This can be messy, and it’s crucial to ask your contractor about how they plan on lining the walls and ceiling. Most companies will provide cleanup services after the ducts are installed.

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important component of your air conditioning system, and it is the key to how well your AC runs. It regulates your heating and cooling by turning the unit on and off based on predetermined temperature settings you set. If your thermostat is not functioning properly, it can significantly impact your energy consumption. While installing a new thermostat is usually a simple process that you can complete on your own, many homeowners choose to call in an experienced professional for thermostat replacement services. The choice between attempting a DIY installation or hiring an expert hinges on your comfort level with technical tasks and your knowledge of home electrical systems.

If you decide to replace your thermostat on your own, it is a good idea to review the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific model that you have chosen. There are a few general steps that are common to most models, but you should also take the time to inspect your house’s electrical box to ensure power is not cut off to your thermostat. Once you have removed the old thermostat, be sure to replace the batteries if it uses them.

It is a good idea to test your new thermostat before switching on the power to it. Ensure that the labelled wires are connected to the correct terminals on the thermostat and that any extra wires are tucked away neatly, especially if your new thermostat requires a C-wire (which some smart or Wi-Fi models require). Once everything is in place and reconnected, switch on your furnace’s breaker to turn on your AC unit and test the thermostat again.

A thermostat is a small device that is located separately from a central air conditioner or built into a window air conditioning unit. A standard thermostat has a digital screen and dial to select the desired temperature set point. The thermostat continuously monitors air temperature inside the home and compares it to the desired set point. If the temperature deviates from the set point, the thermostat signals the heating or cooling system to run to maintain the correct temperature.

Outdoor Unit

The AC outdoor unit (also known as a condenser) is the heart of your air conditioning system. It is responsible for releasing the heat that was absorbed inside your home. This heat is rejected outside through the large coils in your outdoor unit. The refrigerant that is in the indoor unit, absorbing the heat from the air, moves to the outdoor unit via a copper tube. Once the refrigerant is in the outdoor unit, it passes through a compressor that presseurizes it into a gaseous state. Then, a large fan blows the hot air over the coil and expels it outdoors. This process is repeated over and over again as the system cools the air in your house.

The outdoor unit is located outside your home, usually on the ground or a flat roof, and should be placed in an area away from direct sunlight. It should also be away from any bushes or trees that could interfere with its operation or get in the way of its maintenance. It should be on a pad made of composite material rather than a concrete pad because the latter can crack over time and expose the equipment to water damage.

A disconnect box is also installed on the outdoor unit to protect it from electrical surges that can occur when a power line connects. The installer will use a fused disconnect or non-fused disconnect box depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. A fused disconnect allows a breaker to be used in cases where the breaker matches the manufacturer’s maximum required overcurrent protection, while a non-fused disconnect is recommended for all other applications.

The installers will then form a line set that connects the new air conditioner to the disconnect box on the outdoor unit. The lines are pushed through a hole in the exterior wall of your home, and special care is taken not to bend, kink or damage them. A service valve is then attached to the line set and the indoor unit, isolating the refrigerant from its condenser coil and allowing for future service of the indoor coil and refrigerant.

Installation

When you get a qualified installer to complete your AC installation, they should start by discussing what steps need to be taken. Then they will schedule a time to arrive at your home. This will ensure that you can be home to let the installers in and that they have a clear idea of what needs to be done. This step also helps to avoid misunderstandings and potential mistakes during the install process.

Before beginning, the installer should turn off your electricity and gas supply. This is for safety purposes to protect your property and equipment from possible electrical shock or leaks. The installer will then set up the equipment, add any protection needed to protect floors and furniture, and begin the install process. Once the install is completed, they will test the system to make sure it works properly. This includes thermostat operation, suction and liquid line pressure, and other parameters. If there are any problems found, the installer will notify you before addressing any issues.

The indoor unit will be mounted to the wall, with a mounting plate that is screwed into place on the interior side of the wall. Before doing this, the installer should determine if the unit is the right size for your home. An undersized air conditioner may overwork itself, leading to early breakdowns. An oversized air conditioner could push conditioned air through your home too quickly, creating inconsistencies in temperature and comfort levels.

Once the mounting plate is in place, the installer will mount the indoor unit to it using hangers. They will then use a level to verify the indoor unit is level, both horizontally and vertically. Once the unit is level, they will secure it to the mounting plate using tapping screws.

The next step is to connect the new line set, which runs from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. They will first roll out one end of the line set a few feet, then unroll it until enough is pushed through a hole in the band board to reach the service valve on the indoor unit. The installer will then connect this line to the air conditioning unit.

The Benefits of Concrete Patios

Leonie Green Construction , , , , ,
concrete patios

A concrete patio is a cost-effective option for homeowners to improve their backyard living spaces. It can also add value to a property. There are a wide variety of patterns, designs, and finishes that can be used at affordable prices. These include stamped patterns that mimic brick, tile, or natural stone, scoring geometric designs, staining, and stenciled finishes.

As outdoor living becomes increasingly popular, homeowners want to create functional and aesthetically pleasing backyard spaces where they can relax. Concrete patios at Level Ground Excavation offer an affordable option that can be customized in various patterns and colors to suit any taste. While a concrete patio may cost more upfront than materials like wood or pavers, it is a long-term investment that can add value to a home and save money over time as the surface does not require frequent maintenance or costly repairs.

Concrete is also an environmentally friendly material, eliminating the need for lumber and reducing chemical waste in the environment by minimizing stormwater runoff. It can also be designed to be permeable and used as a drainage system, reducing the amount of water that enters nearby storm drains and waterways.

The main drawback to using concrete as a patio material is that it is not as durable as other paving options, particularly in areas that experience a lot of freezing and thawing of the ground in the winter. This can lead to cracking of the patio and can be costly for the homeowner to repair, as it often requires removing and replacing large sections of the patio.

The initial cost of a concrete patio depends on the size and shape, as well as the site preparation required to level the yard. Straightforward square or rectangular patios are typically more affordable than unique shapes, which require additional lumber to assemble the form and more labor to excavate the site to prepare for installation. If you are considering a concrete patio, request quotes from local contractors to see what your budget will be for the project.

Versatility

Concrete isn’t always viewed as a decorative material, but the slabs of poured patios provide a blank canvas that can be adorned in a wide variety of ways. Contractors can brush, paint, stencil, etch or add pebble aggregate to the surface for a customized look that will match the surrounding landscaping and complement the style of your home. This flexibility makes concrete patios a great alternative to more expensive patio materials such as pavers and natural stones.

Stained concrete is a popular option for updating plain gray patios, but there are even more design possibilities available. A skilled contractor can use a concrete stamp to create designs that mimic stone or block patterns, wavy lines, leaves and fossils. They can also use texture rollers to imprint the concrete with different patterns and textures, giving it a unique finish. Concrete is also a solid choice for creating a raised seating area or as the foundation for a pergola or gazebo that offers shade from the summer sun or protection from rain and wind.

A colorful concrete patio is the perfect backdrop for a vibrant backyard setting. This patio from JC Designs features herringbone pattern blocks that bring added dimension to the space while complementing the outdoor dining and lounge furniture. To make the most of your patio in any season, consider adding overhead string lights or built-in lighting fixtures to illuminate the space after dark.

Durability

A concrete patio offers a long-lasting alternative to wooden decks. It can endure heavy traffic and other forms of wear and tear, and it won’t require the periodic resealing that wood does. In fact, the longevity and durability of concrete also contributes to its low maintenance costs.

A new concrete patio is an investment, so homeowners should consider their style options carefully before settling on one. A professional can help them find a design that suits their home and yard while providing a high return on investment.

Concrete contractors can use a variety of methods to customize the finished product, from a basic broom finish to a stamped or stenciled concrete patio. These styles offer an array of texture, color and pattern options that can complement other backyard features like a swimming pool or water garden.

A textured concrete patio is slip-resistant, even when wet. This feature can improve safety, especially for children and older adults who may have a tendency to fall on smooth surfaces that can’t provide reliable traction.

Another option for a durable concrete patio is a mix that includes rebar. This material strengthens the concrete to minimize cracking, which is an issue with many backyard concrete projects. For patios that will support heavy objects, such as a hot tub or outdoor kitchen, a contractor should use a thicker mix to ensure the patio is sturdy enough.

A concrete patio is an ideal place to entertain guests or host a barbecue, as it can easily accommodate a large crowd and provides easy access to the kitchen or dining room. It can also be used as an informal entryway to a home, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Easy Maintenance

Concrete patios can be a cost-effective investment in your home and provide years of enjoyment with little to no upkeep. Whether they are stamped, plain, or poured as part of an outdoor landscape design, concrete is a durable material that can hold up to the harsh weather elements. With the exception of environmental intrusions like ground shifting or tree root penetration, a well-maintained concrete patio should last for decades.

The beauty of concrete is that it can be colored and textured to look like other materials such as pavers or natural stone. Decorative concrete can add that “wow factor” to a backyard entertainment area, turning it into an outdoor room. However, raw concrete also looks sleek and modern, especially when designed with sharp edges and perfect lines.

Like all surfaces, concrete will need to be cleaned occasionally to remove dirt and debris. Using a pressure washer can help eliminate the majority of surface contamination. If there are stubborn stains on your concrete, you can use a degreaser to break down oil and grease buildup. To protect your concrete from future stains, you can apply a waterproof sealer to the surface after cleaning.

Another advantage of a concrete patio is that it can be designed with sloped edges to prevent water runoff and erosion. To minimize the amount of water that ends up in your landscaping, you can direct runoff into a rain garden or use a storm drain system to keep it from flowing onto your patio.

If you want to minimize the amount of chemicals that are used on your patio, you can cover your concrete with a synthetic rug or a layer of mulch to reduce long-term deterioration and protect your plants. This is a much safer alternative to chemicals that are often used on other patio surfaces such as pavers and wood.

Customizable Designs

Concrete is a versatile material that can be made to mimic almost any type of surface. This makes it ideal for homeowners who want to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor space.

For example, a concrete patio can be designed to look like tile or wood to blend in with a homeowner’s existing décor. It can also be textured to provide reliable traction and grip, even when wet, to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

A concrete contractor can help with all aspects of designing and laying a new backyard patio. This includes ensuring the design will be strong enough to support heavy furniture, grills, and other objects that may be placed on it. It’s also important to consider if the patio will be used for entertaining or as a workspace, and if it will need to be resurfaced with anti-skid materials to ensure safety for guests and family members with impaired mobility.

Patios made from concrete can be poured in place or precast, and there are several different finishing techniques to consider. For example, a concrete patio can be exposed aggregate, which is finished with small pebbles that add a unique texture to the surface. It can also be colored with stains or dyes to achieve a specific look.

Before pouring your concrete patio, you’ll need to prepare the area by removing any weeds or debris. If necessary, the landscaper can also level the ground to ensure a flat surface for the build. Once the landscaping is complete, a professional will set the form boards over the concrete site and saw them flush with the top edges of the forms. Then, the concrete mix will be spread over the form boards using a bull float to smooth the surface and fill in low spots.