Modern Comfort For Your Raleigh Home
Installing a new air conditioner is a significant investment in your home's comfort, and getting it done right makes all the difference in how well your system performs and how long it lasts. Dawson's Electric & Air has been installing air conditioners around Raleigh since 2005, and we know that proper installation is just as important as choosing the right equipment. Whether you're replacing an old inefficient system, adding AC to a home that's never had it, or upgrading to a more energy-efficient model, we'll help you make the right choice for your home and budget.
If you're ready to install a new AC system, give us a call at 919-887-8284 or reach out online.
How Do I Know What Size AC System I Need For My Home?
Getting the right size air conditioner is critical for comfort, efficiency, and longevity, and bigger is definitely not always better. Here's what determines proper sizing:
- Square Footage Is Just The Starting Point: While your home's size matters, it's not the only factor that determines AC size. A proper sizing calculation also considers ceiling height, insulation quality, window size and placement, number of occupants, heat-generating appliances, and your home's layout and how air flows through it.
- Load Calculations Provide Accurate Sizing: Professional HVAC contractors use Manual J load calculations to determine exactly how much cooling capacity your home needs. This calculation considers all the factors mentioned above plus your local climate, sun exposure, and ductwork to recommend the right size system measured in tons or BTUs.
- Undersized Systems Run Constantly: An air conditioner that's too small for your home will run all day trying to reach your desired temperature but never quite getting there. This constant operation leads to high energy bills, excessive wear on components, poor humidity control, and uncomfortable hot spots throughout your home.
- Oversized Systems Short-Cycle: When an AC is too large, it cools the house so quickly that it shuts off before completing a full cooling cycle. This short-cycling prevents proper dehumidification, causes temperature swings, wastes energy on frequent startups, and actually wears out components faster despite less total run time.
- Proper Sizing Ensures Efficiency & Comfort: A correctly sized system runs in complete cycles, maintains consistent temperatures, removes humidity effectively, operates efficiently to keep energy costs down, and lasts longer because it's not overworked. We always perform proper load calculations rather than just replacing your old system with the same size.
What's Involved In Professional AC Installation?
Understanding the installation process helps you know what to expect and why professional installation matters so much. Here's what we do:
- Site Assessment & Preparation: Before installation day, we evaluate your home to confirm equipment sizing, check electrical capacity, inspect existing ductwork if applicable, determine the best location for indoor and outdoor units, and identify any modifications needed. We also obtain all necessary permits and schedule inspections.
- Removing Your Old System: If you're replacing an existing AC, we safely recover and recycle the refrigerant according to EPA regulations, disconnect and remove the old equipment, inspect the pad or mounting location for the outdoor unit, and haul away your old system. Proper refrigerant recovery requires certification and can't be done as a DIY project.
- Installing The New Equipment: We install the outdoor condenser unit on a level pad in the optimal location, mount the indoor evaporator coil and air handler or connect to your existing furnace, run new refrigerant lines if needed, or inspect existing lines, connect electrical wiring and install proper disconnects, and set up the condensate drain line to prevent water damage.
- System Startup & Testing: After everything is connected, we vacuum the refrigerant lines to remove moisture and air, charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant according to manufacturer specifications, test all electrical connections and safety controls, verify proper airflow and temperature drop across the coils, and check for any refrigerant leaks.
- Final Walkthrough & Education: Before we leave, we show you how to operate your new system and thermostat, explain the filter location and how often to change it, review the warranty coverage and what's required to keep it valid, provide maintenance recommendations, and answer any questions you have about your new AC.
The experts at Dawson's Electric & Air can install the perfect AC for your home - give us a call today!
AC Installation FAQs
There are several warning signs that your air conditioner may be struggling or nearing the end of its life:
- Higher energy bills: Your system may be working harder than usual to cool your home.
- Inconsistent cooling: Some rooms are too hot or too cold.
- Longer run times: The unit runs constantly, but still can’t keep up with demand.
- Strange noises or odors: Grinding, squealing, or burning smells can indicate mechanical issues.
- Frequent repairs: Repeated breakdowns or component failures signal that the system may be worn out.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have a licensed HVAC professional inspect your system. Regular maintenance, such as what’s included in our Peace of Mind Club, can help identify problems early and extend the life of your unit.
Many factors can cause a high energy bill, but your HVAC system often accounts for nearly 50% of your home’s energy use. If your unit isn’t operating efficiently — due to dirty filters, worn components, or improper settings — it can drive up costs.
Ways to lower your bill:
- Schedule regular maintenance to keep your system running efficiently.
- Replace air filters regularly.
- Check for leaks in ducts or windows.
- Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system if your unit is older.
Proactively maintaining your system not only reduces your energy bills but also helps extend the life of your equipment. Peace of Mind Club members get routine HVAC checkups that help catch efficiency issues before they impact your bill.
The cost to repair or replace your AC unit depends on the severity of the issues and the age of your system. On average, most repairs range from $1,200 to $1,500, but minor fixes can cost less while major problems may cost more.
Replacement is usually considered if your system is old, inefficient, or in need of frequent repairs. A licensed HVAC technician can assess your unit and help you determine the most cost-effective solution for your home.
The cost of a new air conditioning system can vary quite a bit depending on your home’s size, the type of system you currently have, and how energy-efficient you’d like your new unit to be.
On average, most homeowners invest anywhere from $7,500 to $25,000 for a full AC replacement. Our comfort specialists are happy to visit your home, evaluate your setup, and provide a personalized quote that fits your needs and budget.
We also offer financing options and occasional seasonal promotions to make upgrading your comfort more affordable.
How Long Does AC Installation Take & What Should I Do To Prepare?
Knowing what to expect on installation day helps everything go smoothly. Here's the typical timeline and how to prepare:
- Standard Installation Takes 4 To 8 Hours: A straightforward replacement of an existing system with similar equipment typically takes four to eight hours for a complete installation. This includes removing the old system, installing the new equipment, making all connections, testing everything, and walking you through the new system.
- Complex Installations Take Longer: If we're adding AC to a home that's never had it, upgrading electrical service, installing or modifying ductwork, relocating equipment, or dealing with difficult access, installation may take one to two full days. We'll give you a realistic timeline during the estimate so you know what to expect.
- Clear The Work Areas: Before we arrive, clear a path to your indoor unit location and furnace, remove items stored near the outdoor unit location, move vehicles away from where we'll be working, secure pets in a safe area away from the work zones, and let us know about any specific access concerns or obstacles.
- Plan To Be Home But Available: You don't need to hover over us while we work, but someone should be home during installation to answer questions, grant access to all areas, and participate in the final walkthrough. We'll protect your floors and work areas, but you may want to plan for some temporary disruption.
- Expect Some Noise & Activity: AC installation involves power tools, equipment moving, and technicians working both inside and outside your home. If you work from home or have young children who nap, you may want to plan accordingly for installation day.
What Warranties & Maintenance Does My New AC Need?
Protecting your investment means understanding warranty coverage and maintenance requirements. Here's what you need to know:
- Manufacturer Warranties Cover Equipment: Most new AC systems come with a 10-year parts warranty from the manufacturer that covers compressors, coils, and other major components if they fail due to defects. However, these warranties typically require registration within a specific timeframe after installation and proof of annual professional maintenance.
- Labor Warranties Vary By Contractor: While the manufacturer covers parts, you also need warranty coverage for the labor to install those parts if something fails. We provide labor warranties on our installations, and the specific terms depend on the equipment and service agreement you choose.
- Annual Maintenance Is Essential: To keep your warranty valid and your system running efficiently, you need professional maintenance every year. This includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, testing electrical connections, inspecting safety controls, and catching small problems before they become expensive repairs.
- Register Your Equipment Promptly: Don't forget to register your new equipment with the manufacturer within the required timeframe, usually 60 to 90 days after installation. Without registration, your warranty coverage may be significantly reduced. We can help you with this process if needed.
- Keep Maintenance Records: Save all service records and receipts for maintenance visits because you may need to provide proof of regular maintenance if you ever need warranty service. Regular maintenance not only protects your warranty but also keeps your system running efficiently and extends its lifespan significantly.
Upgrade Your Home's Cooling Capacity Today
For over 20 years, Raleigh homeowners have trusted Dawson's Electric & Air for professional AC installation that's done right from start to finish. We take the time to properly size your system, install it according to manufacturer specifications, and make sure you understand how to operate and maintain it for years of reliable service. Ready to upgrade to a new, efficient air conditioner? Call us at 919-887-8284 or reach out online to schedule your installation consultation.
