7 Signs of an Improper Air Conditioner Installation

An improper air conditioner installation can cause a variety of issues that can affect the comfort of your home, efficiency of the unit, and even the unit’s lifespan. Here are some of the most common signs that indicate your air conditioner was improperly installed.

If you suspect an improper AC installation, always contact a second HVAC company to take a look.

1. Poor Cooling Performance

If your air conditioner is not cooling your home properly, it may be a sign of an incorrect refrigerant charge, improper sizing of the unit, or poor installation of the ductwork. The cooling performance of a brand-new AC unit should be significantly better, so if it seems to have gotten worse, get a second opinion as soon as possible.

2. Frequent Breakdowns

If your air conditioner breaks down frequently, it could be a sign of incorrect wiring, improperly sized electrical components, or poor installation of the system itself. Frequent breakdowns equal frequent repairs, making the initial installation a possible scam. Contact a second HVAC tech to inspect the unit.

3. High Energy Bills

Higher energy bills can be the result of an incorrectly sized unit, poorly installed ductwork, or incorrect refrigerant charge. If your energy bills are significantly higher than normal, we suggest getting a second opinion.

4. Uneven Cooling

If some rooms in your home are significantly cooler than others, it may be a sign of poorly installed ductwork or an improperly sized unit. Uneven cooling is a fairly normal problem, but if it is worse after a new AC unit has been installed, it was likely installed incorrectly.

5. Excessive Noise

An excessively loud air conditioner or a unit making strange noises can be the result of improperly installed components, loose connections, or improperly sized ductwork. Loud or excessive noises are not normal and could cause more damage, so it is important to call for a repair as soon as possible. Click here to see what the 5 most common AC noises are and what they mean.

6. Short Cycling

Short cycling—when your air conditioner turns on and off frequently—can be a sign of incorrect sizing of the unit, improperly installed ductwork, or an incorrect refrigerant charge. Short cycling has many other causes, so if this is your only issue, be sure to get your unit checked before assuming an improper installation. Click here for other causes of a short cycling AC unit. Click here for more causes of a short cycling unit.

7. Leaks or Moisture

Leaks or moisture around your air conditioning system can be caused by improperly installed refrigerant lines, ductwork, or drain lines. Leaks are not to be taken lightly, so we suggest calling for an emergency AC repair. Click here for more causes of an AC leak.

When in doubt, always get a second opinion. An improperly installed AC unit will cost you much more in the long run if left running and undiagnosed. Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides AC repair, tune-up, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us today!