Installing a new air conditioner is one of the more involved home projects you’ll encounter, but understanding the process takes a lot of the uncertainty out of it. Whether you’re replacing an aging system or installing central air for the first time, here’s exactly what to expect when you work with Southern Air. Our AC installation team handles every step with care and keeps you informed throughout.
Step 1: In-Home Assessment and Load Calculation
Before any equipment is ordered, a Southern Air technician visits your home to perform a thorough assessment and a Manual J load calculation.
This industry-standard method determines exactly how much cooling capacity your home needs by accounting for square footage, insulation, ceiling height, window orientation, and your local climate.
Getting the size right is critical. An oversized system short-cycles and leaves the home feeling humid. An undersized system runs constantly and never quite reaches the target temperature. The load calculation removes the guesswork entirely.
Step 2: Equipment Selection
Once we have the load calculation results, we walk you through equipment options at different price and efficiency tiers in plain language.
We also confirm whether your existing ductwork can support the new system. Leaky or undersized ducts will limit performance no matter how good the equipment is. If repairs are needed, we discuss them as part of the project scope before anything is finalized.
Step 3: Removing the Old System
On installation day, the first task is safely disconnecting and removing your existing equipment. Any remaining refrigerant is recovered in accordance with EPA regulations, which must be handled by a certified technician.
The old outdoor unit and indoor components are removed and disposed of properly. We take care to protect your home throughout the process.
Step 4: Installing the New Equipment
With the old system out, installation begins. The indoor air handler or coil is set in place and connected to your duct system. Refrigerant lines are run between the indoor and outdoor units.
Electrical connections are made to power both units and link them to your thermostat. If you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, this is the right moment to do it. We also carry thermostats and can handle that upgrade as part of the same visit.
The outdoor condenser unit is secured on a level pad following manufacturer specifications to protect your warranty and ensure proper operation.
Step 5: Refrigerant Charging and System Testing
After installation is complete, the system is evacuated to remove moisture and air from the refrigerant lines, then charged with the correct amount of refrigerant.
This step is critical to performance and compressor lifespan. We then run a full test, checking supply and return air temperatures, airflow at every register, and all electrical components. Any adjustments are made before we close out the job.
Step 6: Walkthrough and Handoff
Before we leave, we walk you through how to operate the system and thermostat, which filter size to use and how often to change it, and what normal operation looks and sounds like. We’ll also register your equipment warranty and talk through the value of an annual AC tune-up to keep your investment running at its best.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Most standard replacements are completed in four to eight hours. More complex projects requiring ductwork modifications or electrical panel upgrades may take longer or need a follow-up visit. We give you a realistic timeline during the assessment so you can plan accordingly.
Ready to get started? Call us and we’ll schedule your in-home assessment.
