Fast Affordable Air recently completed a residential air conditioning replacement project in the Las Vegas area. The work included installing a new outdoor RunTru Air Conditioner, connecting it to the attic equipment, checking the refrigerant system, inspecting the duct connection, and testing the completed system.
The outdoor unit shown in the pictures is from the RunTru A5AC5 product family. Based on the model number, it is in the 3.5-ton size range. An AC ton does not describe the weight of the equipment. It describes how much heat the system can move out of a home. A 3.5-ton central AC has a nominal cooling capacity of about 42,000 BTUs per hour.
This model also belongs to a nominal 15.2 SEER2 product family. SEER2 is a rating used to compare Air Conditioning efficiency. It is similar to a miles-per-gallon rating for a vehicle. The complete system rating depends on the outdoor and indoor units being properly matched.
Placing the New Outdoor Condenser
The first pictures show the new condenser installed beside the home on a solid equipment pad. The condenser is the outdoor part of a split Cooling system. It releases the heat that the indoor coil removed from the house.
The equipment pad helps keep the Air Conditioner level and raised above loose rocks and soil. A level base supports proper operation and reduces unwanted movement. The technician also checked the narrow service area around the unit so the side panels and electrical components could still be reached when future service is needed.
The outdoor fan needs room to pull air through the condenser coil and push warm air out through the top. Keeping leaves, weeds, storage items, and other objects away from the unit helps maintain good airflow.
Checking the Electrical Disconnect and Wiring
The wall-mounted disconnect box can be seen near the condenser. A disconnect is a safety switch that allows an HVAC technician to shut off electricity near the equipment. This is important during installation, maintenance, or repair work.
The technician inspected the electrical conduit, wiring, and equipment connections. The nameplate shows that the outdoor unit uses a 208 to 230-volt power supply. The correct wire size, breaker protection, and tight electrical connections help protect the compressor and fan motor.
The insulated refrigerant line was also checked where it runs between the house and condenser. Insulation protects the cold copper pipe from outdoor heat and helps prevent water from forming on its surface.
Connecting the Attic Air Handler and Evaporator Coil
The indoor portion of this Central Air Conditioning system is installed horizontally in the attic. The air handler moves air through the home while the evaporator coil removes heat from that air.
Because attic spaces can become extremely hot in Southern Nevada, the equipment connections must be secure. The technician inspected the cabinet position, control wiring, electrical connections, refrigerant tubing, and flexible duct connection.
The large flexible duct carries air between the HVAC equipment and the home. Loose joints or open gaps can allow cooled air to escape into the attic. Properly fitted and sealed ducts help more of the cooled air reach the rooms where it is needed.
Fast Affordable Air provides additional information about complete system replacement on its AC installation service page.
Inspecting the Refrigerant Metering Valve
One close-up picture shows the brass thermostatic expansion valve, commonly called a TXV. A TXV controls how much refrigerant enters the indoor evaporator coil. It works like a small gate that opens and closes as the Cooling demand changes.
Correct refrigerant flow allows the coil to absorb heat without becoming overfilled or starved. This supports steady indoor temperatures and helps protect the compressor from harmful operating conditions.
The small copper tubes connected to the valve spread refrigerant through different sections of the coil. These tubes must remain clean, properly connected, and protected from damage during installation.
Working With R-454B Refrigerant
The new RunTru system uses R-454B refrigerant. Refrigerant is the special fluid that carries heat from inside the home to the outdoor condenser. It changes between a liquid and a gas while moving through the Air Conditioning system.
R-454B equipment requires approved tools and correct service procedures. The refrigerant type listed on the equipment must always match the refrigerant used during installation and testing.
Testing the System With Fieldpiece Digital Gauges
The technician connected a Fieldpiece digital refrigerant manifold during system testing. A refrigerant manifold is a tool that reads pressure and temperature information from the Cooling system.
The display allows the technician to monitor important values such as refrigerant pressure, line temperature, superheat, and subcooling. Superheat and subcooling are measurements that help show whether refrigerant is moving through the system correctly.
The technician does not judge the charge from pressure alone. Outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, airflow, equipment specifications, and refrigerant line temperatures must also be considered. This complete testing process helps prevent poor cooling, high electrical use, frozen coils, and compressor damage.
Checking Airflow and Final Operation
After the electrical and refrigerant work was completed, the Central Cooling system was operated and checked. The indoor blower needed to move the correct amount of air across the evaporator coil. Too little airflow can make the coil too cold. Too much airflow may reduce moisture removal and make rooms feel less comfortable.
The technician also checked the outdoor fan, compressor operation, refrigerant line temperatures, cabinet connections, and air movement through the duct system. These startup checks help confirm that the outdoor and indoor equipment are working together.
Seasonal inspections can help keep these readings within the proper range. Fast Affordable Air explains these services on its Air Conditioning maintenance page.
Benefits of the New Heating and Cooling System
- A properly sized 3.5-ton system can provide steadier Cooling for the home.
- Correct refrigerant flow helps the evaporator coil absorb heat efficiently.
- Sealed duct connections reduce the amount of cooled air lost in the attic.
- Digital startup testing helps find pressure, temperature, and airflow problems early.
- A level condenser pad supports the equipment and reduces unwanted movement.
- Correct electrical protection helps protect the compressor and outdoor fan motor.
- Proper installation can reduce wasted energy and unnecessary system operation.
