Once you have had a new commercial AC installed, one thing you have to prepare for is the AC installation final inspection. If you’ve never had one, you need to know what to do to prepare for it. So, we’re going to tell you what to expect.
Know Local Codes and Regulations
After you have had a new AC system put in by a company like Fusion Repair LLC, it’s important to know the local codes and regulations before the inspection. Here are things to know.
- Permits & Inspections – Usually, there are permit requirements for air conditioning installations, and often inspections are needed to make sure that it complies with codes.
- Equipment Sizing: – There are often minimum SEER ratings for an air conditioner to help promote conservation of energy.
- Safety Standards: – There are safety concerns like carbon monoxide/smoke detection, proper equipment placement for preventing hazards, and ventilation.
- System Design – This might cover placement, ductwork sizing, and other things in the system design to ensure energy efficiency and proper functionality.
- Noise Levels – Depending on your location, there might be noise ordinances that regulate the noise levels of AC units.
Choose Qualified and Certified Installers
When you are looking for someone to install your AC unit, make sure that you are choosing someone who’s certified and qualified. The information should be on the company’s website. If not, you should ask them for their certification and qualifications. If they can’t provide it to you, choose another installer. It’s good to choose one that knows all about HVAC regulations.
Prepare the Site Before Installation
Before you have an AC installation inspection, it’s important to prepare your site. Here are some things that you should do to make the installation go smoothly.
Clear the Unit Area
- Outdoor Unit – There should be at least 2-3 feet around your outdoor unit. This will ensure maintenance accessibility and proper airflow. This will involve trimming bushes and shrubs as well as removing debris like branches or leaves.
- Indoor Unit (as applicable) – If you’re installing an indoor unit, clear items like furniture from the area close to your unit so taht the techs can work.
- Pathways – Make clear pathways so that the crew can transport the equipment and unit.
Address Your AC pad
- Existing Pad – Check your existing pad to see if the pad’s level. If it isn’t, think about adding sand or gravel, shimming, or other leveling techniques.
- New Pad – Make sure that a new pad’s made of something durable, such as recycled plastic or concrete. The pad should also be level on a base of compacted gravel.
Consider Access to Electrical Panel & Refrigerant Line
- Electrical Connections – Make sure that it’s easy to access the electrical panel, and that the wiring is able to accommodate the power requirements of the new system. You may have to upgrade the panel.
- Refrigerant lines – Even though the contractor will handle the installation, make sure that the refrigerant line is easy to access.
Plan for Drainage
- Drainage location: Find a good location for your drain line. It’s best for it to lead outside or to a closeby floor drain. Make sure it complies with the building codes.
- Slope & Trap: Make sure the drain line’s slope is a minimum of ¼” for each foot for drainage. You also should have a P-trap in order to prevent odors and backflow.
Maintain Proper Documentation
Here are some of the documents you should have to show when you have an AC installation final inspection.
- Purchase receipt – Proof of installation date.
- Warranty information – Installer and manufacturer warranties, detailing the coverage (exclusions, labor, parts)
- Equipment details – BTU capacity, special features, model number, and serial number.
- Installation details: Location, installation date, installer contact information.
- Diagrams & notes – Component placement and modifications that were made during its installation
- Refrigerant Records – Detailed receipts of the refrigerants that were used and the protocols that were followed.
Conduct a Pre-Inspection Check
- Check to make sure that everything is accessible to the inspector.
- Clear everything away from around the AC unit
- Check the filters in the AC unit
- Check the lines are safe and not frayed
Address Common Issues Before They Become Problems
- Have regular maintenance done to check your system
- Regularly change your filters in your system
- Check ducts and vents
- Listen for strange sounds
- Check for hot/cold spots
Communicate Effectively with the Inspector
When the inspector comes, make sure that you ask them questions and answer any of their questions. Make sure that you have all of the documentation that we listed above to show to the inspector. You can also ask them about the HVAC installation codes if you have questions.
In conclusion
These are the things you need to know about having an inspection after having a new AC system installed for your business. What do you think about it? We hope that it was helpful! Leave us a comment.
