Professional AC Installation for Your Home
Installing a new air conditioning system represents one of the most important investments you can make in your home’s comfort and value. At Lew's Reliable Heat & A/C, we understand that selecting and installing the right cooling system requires careful consideration of multiple factors including your home’s size, layout, insulation quality, and your family’s specific comfort needs. Our NATE certified technicians bring decades of combined experience to every installation project, ensuring your new system operates at peak efficiency from day one.
The process begins with a comprehensive home evaluation where we assess your current cooling requirements, examine existing ductwork, and identify any potential challenges that might affect installation. We calculate precise cooling loads using industry-standard Manual J calculations, which consider factors like window placement, ceiling height, insulation levels, and sun exposure patterns throughout your home. This detailed analysis ensures we recommend equipment that’s perfectly sized for your space, avoiding the common pitfalls of oversized or undersized systems that plague many homeowners.
Choosing the Right AC System
Today’s air conditioning market offers an impressive array of options, from traditional split systems to ductless mini-splits and high-efficiency variable-speed units. We help you navigate these choices by explaining how different SEER ratings affect both initial costs and long-term energy savings. For instance, while a 14 SEER unit meets current federal minimum standards, upgrading to an 18 or 20 SEER model can reduce cooling costs by up to 40 percent over older 10 SEER systems commonly found in homes throughout Fairport Harbor, Painesville, Mentor, and Concord Township, OH.
Modern air conditioners incorporate advanced features like two-stage compressors that adjust cooling output based on demand, providing more consistent temperatures and better humidity control during those humid summer months. Variable-speed air handlers gradually ramp up to speed, eliminating the jarring blast of cold air associated with single-speed systems while operating more quietly and efficiently. Smart thermostats integrate seamlessly with these systems, allowing you to control comfort settings remotely and track energy usage patterns to optimize efficiency further.
Our Installation Process
When installation day arrives, our technicians protect your home by laying drop cloths along work paths and carefully removing your old equipment for proper disposal and refrigerant recovery according to EPA regulations. We’ve been providing dependable heating and air conditioning service to residents of Lake and Geauga for more than 49 years, and that experience shows in our meticulous attention to detail during every installation phase.
- Ductwork inspection and modification: We examine existing ducts for leaks, proper sizing, and insulation quality, making necessary repairs or modifications to ensure optimal airflow
- Proper refrigerant line installation: New copper lines are carefully brazed with nitrogen purging to prevent oxidation, then pressure tested and evacuated to manufacturer specifications
- Electrical system upgrades: We verify your electrical panel can handle the new system’s requirements, installing dedicated circuits and disconnects as needed
- Condensate drainage setup: Primary and secondary drain lines are installed with proper pitch and safety switches to prevent water damage
Quality Assurance and Testing
Following equipment installation, we perform comprehensive system commissioning to verify proper operation. This includes checking refrigerant charge using both subcooling and superheat methods, measuring temperature differentials across the evaporator coil, and confirming airflow meets manufacturer specifications. We adjust blower speeds and refrigerant levels to achieve optimal performance, ensuring your system delivers maximum comfort and efficiency.
Our technicians also verify that all safety controls function correctly, including high and low-pressure switches, thermal overload protection, and condensate overflow switches. We test thermostat operation through complete cooling cycles, confirming proper sequencing of indoor and outdoor units. Static pressure measurements help identify any remaining airflow restrictions that could impact system performance or longevity.
Post-Installation Support
Your relationship with Lew's Reliable Heat & A/C extends well beyond installation day. We provide thorough system orientation, explaining operation basics, filter maintenance schedules, and simple troubleshooting steps you can perform yourself. Our motto is fast repairs… fixed right, and we stand behind every installation with comprehensive warranties and ongoing support.
Regular maintenance plays a crucial role in preserving your investment and maintaining peak efficiency. We offer customized maintenance agreements that include seasonal tune-ups, priority service, and discounts on repairs. Some of our technicians have been a part of the family here for over 20 years, providing the consistent, knowledgeable service that keeps your system running reliably season after season. When you need heating and air conditioning service, you want to be sure that the company you call is honest, dependable, and experienced, qualities we’ve demonstrated throughout Fairport Harbor, OH and the surrounding areas since our establishment by Lew Schwentner in 1970.