During a typical summer in Marietta, the heat can hit hard and stick around. That’s why a dependable air conditioning system is more than a comfort—it is a necessity. But the benefits of cooling depend heavily on one important factor: correct AC installation. If the system is not set up properly from the start, it can lead to higher energy bills, frequent breakdowns, and uneven cooling just when relief is needed most.
Homeowners in Marietta looking for a new AC system often focus on the type or brand of unit but overlook the installation process itself. That can be a costly mistake. When done right, installation ensures the system runs efficiently, cools evenly, and lasts longer. But if corners are cut or details are missed, even a brand-new AC can underperform. Below are some installation mistakes to avoid when trying to beat the summer heat in Marietta.
Common AC Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Getting an AC unit installed is not just about placing it in a corner and flipping a switch. Several steps have to line up correctly, or the system will not work as it should. Here are some of the most common mistakes that can cause your AC system to struggle, even if it is brand new.
1. Incorrect Sizing of the Unit
This is one of the most frequent issues with AC installation. If a unit is too small for your home, it will run nonstop trying to keep up, which leads to wear and tear. If it is too large, it will short cycle—turning on and off frequently—which causes uneven cooling and wasted energy.
For example, installing an oversized unit in a two-bedroom home may seem like a way to guarantee strong cooling, but it can lead to more indoor humidity and reduce how comfortable the home feels. Getting the size right is important.
2. Poor Placement of the Unit
Where the AC unit is placed plays a big role in how efficiently it works. Putting it in a cramped space, under direct sunlight, or near things that block airflow like shrubs or fencing can make it work harder than necessary.
Common placement mistakes include:
– Installing the outdoor unit too close to walls or obstacles
– Placing it in an area without enough shading or ventilation
– Positioning it near windows or doors where warm air leaks in
Making sure there is room around the unit for air to flow freely, and that it is placed in a naturally cooler part of the yard, can help the system stay efficient.
3. Faulty Ductwork
Even with a high-quality AC unit, bad ductwork can stop cool air from getting where it needs to go. Leaks, poor connections, or unsealed ducts let air escape, which forces your unit to run harder and longer.
Warning signs of bad duct design or installation include:
– Uneven temperatures from room to room
– Excessive dust in the air
– Odd smells or rattling sounds when the system is on
To avoid this problem, the ductwork must be properly sized and sealed from installation. If not, the system loses efficiency from day one.
These mistakes can all add up to significant discomfort and higher operating costs. Avoiding them upfront ensures your AC system is ready to handle the Marietta summer with no added stress. The next section covers even more pitfalls to avoid and how airflow and installation quality make a big difference.
Ignoring Airflow Requirements
Proper airflow is key to how well an AC system performs. When the unit cannot pull in or push out enough air due to poor setup, it has to work harder to keep rooms cool. This reduces comfort and increases strain on the equipment. Blocked registers, poorly designed return vents, and dirty filters at installation can restrict airflow right from the start.
Airflow mistakes often go unnoticed but can lead to long-term system stress and uneven cooling. Rooms farthest from the unit may end up warmer, and the thermostat may never reach the set temperature. This causes the system to run longer than it should, wasting energy and wearing down parts faster. Air must move smoothly through the system. Anything that disrupts that will impact your comfort and your energy bill.
Make sure the supply and return paths are clear, the ducts are balanced, and registers are not blocked by furniture or rugs. These may seem like small details, but they influence how well your cooling system handles summer in Marietta.
Skipping Professional Installation
One of the most damaging choices during AC installation is skipping professional service. It may be tempting to save some money by trying a self-install or hiring a general handyman, but cooling systems are complex. A small error during installation can cause problems that are expensive to fix later.
When you trust our professionals, you are relying on trained technicians who understand how to size the unit correctly, configure the system, manage refrigerant safely, and test each component. Our professionals use the right tools and follow proper procedures that match your home’s layout and cooling needs.
Incorrect wiring, loose connections, or improper refrigerant levels may not show issues right away, but they wear out equipment faster than usual. Homeowners often notice poor system performance weeks or months later when the insurance or warranty does not cover the repair. Starting with our professionals avoids that risk from the beginning.
The Cost of Installation Mistakes
Bad installation does more than make your home uncomfortable—it increases your expenses. An AC system that is not installed correctly will use more electricity, run longer cycles, and break down earlier than expected. Even issues that seem minor, like a loose duct or crooked thermostat, can reduce system efficiency and increase monthly costs.
When the unit cycles more than it should or runs under pressure due to restricted airflow or bad duct design, parts wear out faster. This leads to more repair calls and sometimes full system replacement much sooner than expected.
Besides the energy and repair bills, comfort is another hidden cost. Rooms in your Marietta home may stay too humid or too hot, even when the AC is supposed to be handling the load. That discomfort becomes frustrating over time and can turn what should be a relaxing summer into one full of unnecessary service issues.
Ensuring a Smooth AC Installation in Marietta
Getting the best results from an AC installation starts before the unit even arrives. A little planning goes a long way when preparing your home for the work. Making sure access points are clear and duct areas are reachable helps keep the process on schedule and reduces the risk of mess or damage.
Here are some helpful steps homeowners in Marietta can take:
– Clear the area: Remove furniture or items blocking walls, vents, or the spot where the unit will be set.
– Check electrical access: If there are power panels or old units in the way, mention it to the technician early.
– Consider your thermostat location: If your current thermostat is near a heat source, talk about relocating it.
– Walk through the home with our technician: This helps point out warm spots, insulation issues, or airflow concerns before the job begins.
– After installation, test each room: Make a note of any uneven cooling so it can be handled quickly.
Installing correctly is not just about the first day. It is about how your system will work through the entire season. Working hand-in-hand with our technicians makes it easier to catch small problems before they turn into major ones.
Stay Cool and Efficient This Summer
Thinking ahead can save money, frustration, and discomfort during the summer in Marietta. Choosing the right unit is important, but how that unit is installed will make the real difference in how well it performs. From sizing and placement to ductwork and airflow, skipping key steps leads to problems that are easy to avoid if handled the right way.
Whether you are upgrading an old system or putting in one for the first time, installing it the right way means your home stays cool when it matters most. A strong install today can lead to years of reliable comfort and fewer surprise breakdowns when you need cooling the most.
If you are ready to experience a smooth installation that maximizes performance and ensures efficient cooling, explore how our approach to AC installation in Marietta focuses on correct sizing, optimal placement, and proper airflow to help prevent costly repairs and unnecessary energy waste. Trust Garrett Mechanical Services to deliver lasting comfort through expert installations tailored to your home. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
