At Smart Choice Heating & Cooling, Inc., our visits for air conditioning installation in Vancouver, WA, start with sizing. We remove the old unit, install the new equipment, and test it fully. Your technician confirms any permits and walks you through the new system before leaving.
Key Takeaways:
- Proper Sizing: Improper installation of residential systems can cut system performance by up to 30% (dependent on other factors as well), according to ENERGY STAR.
- Old Unit Removal: We disconnect and remove your old AC system as part of every installation.
- Permits: We confirm any permits your installation needs before work begins.
This guide assumes air conditioning repair no longer makes sense for your system.
What Typically Happens on Installation Day?
Air conditioning installation follows a sequence. We protect your home, swap the old system for the new one, and test everything before we leave. Your Smart Choice Heating & Cooling, Inc. technician walks you through the new thermostat at the end of the visit.
The Installation Day Sequence
- Protect floors, furniture, and landscaping near the outdoor unit
- Disconnect and remove the old AC system
- Set the new outdoor condenser and indoor coil
- Connect refrigerant lines and electrical connections
- Test airflow, refrigerant charge, and thermostat operation
How Do Technicians Size a New AC System?
At Smart Choice Heating & Cooling, Inc., sizing determines everything that happens next. We size your new AC system using your home’s square footage, insulation, and layout, not guesswork. ENERGY STAR ties incorrect sizing directly to poor performance and higher utility bills. Correct sizing keeps your new system efficient and comfortable for years.
Sizing Methods Compared
| Method | What It Considers | Result |
| Square footage estimate | Home size only | Risks over- or undersizing the system |
| ACCA Manual J calculation | Insulation, windows, orientation, climate | System matched to your home’s real heating and cooling needs |
What Happens to Your Old AC Unit and Ductwork?
Smart Choice Heating & Cooling, Inc. builds old-unit removal into every job, so you never need to schedule that separately. We also inspect your existing ductwork before connecting the new equipment. Leaks or damage there can undercut the new system’s performance.
Our licensed technicians handle any required permits as part of the air conditioning installation. That paperwork is not something you have to manage yourself.
How Do You Prepare for Installation Day?
A few steps on your end keep the visit moving smoothly:
- Clear access to your indoor unit. Open the attic, closet, or utility room where your equipment sits.
- Secure pets away from work areas. Technicians will be moving equipment in and out of your home.
- Move vehicles from the driveway. This gives our team clear access to the outdoor unit.
Smart Choice Heating & Cooling, Inc. is family-owned and Clark County’s only Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer. We have installed AC systems for Vancouver homeowners since 1998. Our NATE-certified technicians handle sizing, removal, and installation as one process, not separate jobs. We also provide air conditioning repair in Vancouver, WA when a smaller fix is all you need. You may have planned an AC repair before deciding to replace your system. Our experienced team helps you make that decision. After installation, our Comfort Club Maintenance plan keeps your new system running efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does AC installation take in Vancouver?
Timeframes vary by home size and system type. Your technician gives you a specific estimate before work begins.
Do I need to be home during the installation?
We recommend being home at the start and end of the visit. That way, we can walk you through the new system.
Can I use my existing ductwork with a new AC system?
In many cases, yes, if the ductwork is sized correctly and free of leaks. We check this during installation and recommend repairs if needed.
Schedule Your AC Installation
Contact Smart Choice Heating & Cooling, Inc. for a detailed estimate before air conditioning installation. Contact us at (360) 260-9199 or contactus@smartchoicehvac.com. Our highly-trained and NATE-certified technicians also provide air conditioning repair in Vancouver, WA. We provide services that focus on your safety and comfort, while being sensitive to your budget.