How to Install Your Own Small Duct Air Conditioning System
Homeowners living in temperate climates may find that installing a central air-conditioning unit can help alleviate the discomfort caused by heat waves.
By utilizing a system of small ducts installed within the walls, the cooled air can circulate and be distributed more evenly throughout the home, when compared to a stand-alone unit. Installing the unit and duct work can provide the homeowner a cost-effective cooling system.
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Things You'll Need
- Air-conditioning unit with kit
- Ducts
- Elbow joints
- Take-offs
- Registers
- Boots
- Pipe ducts
- L-square ruler
- Marker
- Metal snips
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Power drill
- Mastic tape
- Utility knife
- Tube cutter
- Screws
Instructions
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Air-Conditioning Unit
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1
Inspect the air-conditioning unit, duct work and all parts for damage or missing pieces. Read through the guide included with the air-conditioning unit for recommendations, installation guides and warnings. Install the condensing unit on a condensing pad outside, on a secure and level area, close to the home's main electrical panel. Using the drill, cut a hole into the siding of the house, from the outside.
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2
Use the tape measure to determine the height of the evaporator coil at its highest point, and the width at its widest point. Add one half-inch to each dimension. Mark a rectangular guide, using the L-square ruler and marker, on the side of the furnace supply plenum. Cut along the marker guide with the metal snips.
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3
Mount the evaporator coil into the supply plenum, using the kit-supplied parts, following the methods outlined in the manufacturer's guide. Affix the provided sheet metal cover over the plenum opening and the lines protruding from the evaporator coil. Secure the cover in place with the power drill and screws at the edges, avoiding causing damage to the evaporator coil.
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4
Use the utility knife to strip and remove the last few feet of insulation on the suction line. Feed the end through the hole in the side of the house. Redirect the copper suction line using the tube cutters and kit copper fittings, when necessary. Insert the end into the suction line surface valve. Affix the mounting brackets to the ceiling joists, and run the suction line through them to the supply plenum. Repeat to connect the smaller, copper liquid line.
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5
Mount the electrical control box on the side paneling of the house, referring to the instructions. Hire a professional electrician and furnace technician to complete the work. Finish the remaining work outlined in the manufacturer's guide.
Ducts
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6
Inspect existing furnace duct work. Ensure all ducts are properly sized and sealed, to prevent air loss. Seal any holes or gaps in the duct work with mastic tape.
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7
Attach additional duct work by using the metal snips to cut a hole into the main trunk, or the rectangular duct work running from the furnace's plenum. Install a takeoff, using the power drill and screws, into the hole. Assemble the pipe ducts, and attach one end into the takeoff. Run the pipe duct between the studs and ceiling joists, to the desired location, using elbow joints, as needed, to change the direction. Seal all joints and duct connections with mastic tape.
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8
Remove the section of drywall where the register will be installed. Affix the boot to the end of the duct pipe. Fasten the boot to the surrounding ceiling joist or studs. Use the screwdriver and screws to attach the register over the boot.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Contract a licensed professional when installing the air-conditioning unit. Performing specific work, such as electrical wiring, without training or sufficient knowledge, may result in injury or death.
Permits may be required to legally perform renovations. Contact the local building code department and comply with any advised, or required, methods and procedures.
Always wear safety glasses to prevent eye injuries when renovating.
Cut sheet metal and duct work can cause injuries such as cuts or lacerations. Wearing leather gloves can reduce the occurrence, or severity, of these injuries.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit ventilation ducts image by Ragne Kabanova from Fotolia.com
