There are a few factors that can help you determine how long your AC installation will take. These factors include:

• The size of your home
• The type of unit being installed
• The size of unit being installed
• The location where the installation is occurring within the home 

With all of these things considered, AC installations typically take between 5 and 8 hours. In most cases, you will be able to have your new unit in action by the end of the day. If your ducts and vents are in poor condition, technicians may need to return the following day to clean out airways and remove any dust from within the system.

If you are in need of a full system installation, this process will take longer. Full system installations require contractors to implement ductwork, wire thermostats, and install venting. In Southern California, these installations typically take up to five days to complete.

Technically, you are physically capable of installing your own AC unit. Because of the risks, costs, and challenges involved with installing an air conditioning unit, it is recommended that homeowners do not attempt an AC installation on their own. In many states, there are licenses and permits that you are required to secure before you complete an installation.

Technicians are aware of the signals that verify a system is working efficiently. There is much knowledge that is needed before and after the installation to ensure that your system is working efficiently.  Before the installation, you must determine the size unit that you need. Next, you must ensure that both the ductwork and thermostat are fitted properly so that the unit can run efficiently. 

Hiring an expert to install your air conditioning unit leads to increased efficiency and cost savings. Most contractors have the ability to purchase units directly from manufacturers, making the cost per unit cheaper. In addition, technicians are trained on every aspect of the installation process. Professionals know how to determine the size and type of unit that is right for your home. 

Installing a unit requires extensive manual labor. Technicians are trained to successfully install units, ensuring that all the ductwork is aligned. Ductwork must be fitted properly in order to distribute air throughout the entire home. AC units are heavy and bulky, requiring strength to maneuver.

In addition to aligning duct work, contractors know the proper ways to test the unit for efficiency. Many homeowners do not understand how difficult it is to remove an old unit when it is replaced. Old units must be handled with care because they contain freons. Freons cannot be disposed of carelessly, they must be properly handled to reduce the risk of negative consequences.

In most cases, hiring a contractor will save you money in the long run. HVAC companies have access to better pricing. When a professional installs your unit, it will be set up seamlessly.

The cost of an air conditioning installation depends on the type of unit and format of installation. If your new unit requires extensive retrofitting of duct work, reformatting of thermostats, and repositioning of vents, it will likely be more expensive than a standard installation. There are a few different components that make up the the cost of an AC installation, including:

• Cost of unit (determined by tonnage, efficiency rating, and SEER rating)
• Cost of labor (either a flat rate or cost per hour)
• Ductwork modifications
• Various customizations and modifications within the home

The cost of your unit is just a piece of the total AC Installation. On average, the cost of an AC Installation in Los Angeles County is between $4,500 and $12,000.

When installing a split AC system, there are a few important factors to be considered.  If the unit is not installed at the right height, it will not cool the space properly. Ideally, split AC systems will be mounted roughly 7 or 8 feet from the floor. This height allows the entire room to receive adequate cooling.

In addition to height, it is important that you consider the ventilation, condensation, vibration, and weight of the unit. This unit should be installed in an area that can support its total weight. In addition, the space should have proper ventilation and the ability to release condensation.

If needed, you can replace just the outdoor component of your air conditioning system. Determining the need to replace the unit is based on a few factors. If your outdoor unit is new or under warranty, it can likely be replaced for little to no cost. If your indoor unit is fairly new, it does not need to be replaced alongside the outdoor unit. If a warranty is still in effect, replace just the outdoor system.

If you have an older system, it can be difficult to find a compatible replacement for your outdoor unit. Typically, indoor and outdoor units are purchased simultaneously. As the years go by, it will be increasingly difficult to find a compatible replacement. Compatibility is determined by a few various things, including tonnage, manufacturer, type of freon used, efficiency, and SEER rating. If both your indoor and outdoor unit are old and out of warranty, it is more effective to replace both systems at the same time. This reduces the risk of unforeseen damages and allows technicians to install both units during an single installation, rather than having to come at a later date to replace the indoor unit. Trying to connect an old unit with a new unit will likely result in inefficiencies and poor operating capabilities.

Typically a Ductless AC Unit is more expensive than a standard AC unit. However, the installation is easier. Having a ductless system typically saves the homeowner more money in the long run. Ductless units cost between 30% to 50% more upfront compared to standard air conditioning units. All ductless systems come with at least one indoor system, but many people choose to purchase additional indoor units so that they can separate the zones within their house. For every outdoor condenser, you can have up to five indoor units.

There are a few factors to be considered when determining the cost of a ductless AC system, including:

• Number of zones
• Brand of unit
• Accessibility of the installation space. 

Ductless installations completed in Southern California cost between $2,000 and $14,500, but the average cost is roughly $4,000. The overall installation is cheaper than the standard AC installation. Ductless installations are typically easier because they accommodate for more flexibility, especially in older homes

In some circumstances, it is best to replace just the compressor on your AC unit. The compressor is the most important part of an air conditioning unit, it transforms the refrigerant into a high pressure gas that helps cool air circulate throughout the inside of the home. If your compressor is dead, you will know it. Not only will there be no cool air flow, your system will not make any noise when it is activated. 

The reason that many people associate a dead compressor with unit replacement is because compressors typically only die in older units. If you have an older unit that needs a compressor replacement, it is probably more cost effective to invest in an entirely new unit. In most situations, the air conditioning unit has a 10 year parts warranty. If this warranty is still in effect, you can get a new compressor at no cost. You will have to pay labor costs to the experts who complete the compressor installation.

Typically, new compressors are expensive, costing almost as much as the unit itself. If you are looking to purchase a compressor replacement, it is worth considering purchasing an entirely new unit.

Yes, technically you are able to install ductless air conditioning systems on your own. Since no retrofitting of ductwork is necessary, this process is typically easier than a standard AC installation. Although you are welcome to attempt this project on your own, homeowners are strongly discouraged from attempting difficult installations without the help of a qualified contractor. 

The outdoor unit in a ductless AC system is installed the same way a standard AC unit is installed. The indoor unit requires detailed measurements and specific accessories in order to be installed effectively. The unit must be placed on a portion of the wall that can support the weight and accurately connect with the wiring from the outdoor unit. Do not risk mounting the air handler on an unsupported area of the wall! Your room could suffer extensive damages if a wall is torn due to the weight of a unit. Licensed contractors are trained to determine the area of the wall that can accommodate the weight of a unit.

If you attempt an AC installation on your own, you may end up spending more money because you will need to call a licensed contractor to ensure that the unit is set up correctly. The wiring used in a ductless installation can be expensive and finicky. If you hire a licensed contractor, you can ensure that your unit is installed promptly and accurately.

There is a reason that HVAC technicians must attain a license. The work done by service experts is detailed, complicated, and difficult. These professionals are trained to install air conditioners properly. With so many parts and pieces in an air conditioning unit, it is crucial that they are handled with care.

For a licensed HVAC contractor, installing a ductless air conditioner is a simple task. For an inexperienced homeowner, installing a ductless unit can be confusing and tedious. 

There are many things to consider before installing a ductless indoor unit, including:

• The weight of the unit
• The adequate height for wall placement
• The ventilation and condensation of the unit

For homeowners who have not installed an AC unit before, these factors can be difficult to determine. Since HVAC contractors spend their days installing units, determining the best placement for your unit is a fairly simple task.

Although ductless installations do not require ductwork alignment, they do require wiring to be properly connected to the outdoor unit.

The task of placing the indoor unit on the wall and the outdoor unit in the correct location is fairly simple. The other aspects of the installation including wiring, connecting, and perfecting efficiency are tedious tasks that need to be completed by an experienced professional.