Deciding to install an air conditioner in Colorado Springs is a big investment and needs the right strategy from the start. When you live in a summer climate with hot, dry mountain air, you need relief without the high energy bills and system failures.

You can maximize your air conditioner’s efficiency by avoiding costly mistakes during installation.

And that’s where the Colorado Springs air conditioning team at Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling comes in! We’re here to help you steer clear of these common AC installation mistakes.

Here’s what to watch out for and what you should do instead! 

1. Installing a System That’s Too Big (Or Too Small)

When it comes to choosing a new air conditioner, it’s not just about the square footage of your home. Oversized units will cool the air too quickly without removing the damp, sticky humidity. The results? Your home might feel cool but is also clammy and uncomfortable. Meanwhile, units that are too small are constantly running to cool down your space, increasing the wear and tear and driving up your energy usage. Units that are too small are struggling to cool down your space.

What to Do Instead?

Give the team at Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call for a professional load calculation to be done. We’ll factor in your home’s insulation, window orientation, elevation, personal preferences for eco-friendliness, and more. For example, a ranch-style home with vaulted ceilings may need a completely different model than an urban-style bungalow.

2. Forgetting Your Home’s Insulation and Air Leaks

You may not realize that your attic insulation is deteriorating or your windows are drafty until it shows up in your energy bills. Your AC system will struggle to keep up as cool air escapes and it works overtime to compensate.

What to Do Instead?

Before installing a new AC, evaluate your insulation and window sealing. Adding proper attic insulation or sealing up stray leaks around the windows and doors can help your system perform better and last longer. You should also see a difference in your energy bills.

3. Overlooking Your Ductwork

Your ductwork could have hidden air leaks, blockages, or outdated duct layouts that cause major airflow issues. Even brand-new air conditioner installations can fail to reach maximum efficiency because of ductwork problems. The team at Big Cat has seen ductwork that’s too narrow, disconnected, or full of debris. All of these issues restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and cause uneven cooling.

What to Do Instead?

The team at Big Cat can come out to inspect your ducts before we install your air conditioner. We’ll test for pressure imbalances and check for leaks and design flaws. If needed, we’ll also get to work cleaning, sealing, or reconfiguring your ducts for better performance.

4. Skipping Local Rebates and Tax Incentives

Did you know that missing out on rebates can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars? Colorado Springs Utilities offers generous rebates when you invest in high-efficiency systems, especially if you’re switching to a heat pump. There are also federal tax credits available for Energy Star®-qualified installations through the Inflation Reduction Act.

What to Do Instead?

The team at Big Cat can talk you through rebate options and let you know how to file your paperwork to help you get every possible dollar back into your pocket.

5. Not Considering Altitude-Adjusted Sizing

Colorado Springs sits more than 6,000 feet above sea level, and that elevation makes a big difference when it comes to how efficiently your AC actually performs. The thinner the air, the less efficient the heat transfer. In other words, your air conditioning system needs to be sized appropriately. Don’t use a one-size-fits-all sizing calculator or just copy and paste what works in a city like Phoenix at a lower elevation. You’ll end up with an oversized unit that cools too fast and doesn’t remove the humidity or a unit that’s too small and runs all the time without properly cooling your home. 

What to Do Instead?

Rely on the AC experts at Big Cat. We factor in every aspect of your air conditioner installation in Colorado, including elevation, sun exposure, and insulation, when sizing your system.

Carelessness with Electrical Setup and Circuits

AC systems require serious electrical loads, usually 240 volts on a dedicated circuit. Skipping the proper setup can cause a circuit breaker trip or void your system warranty altogether. Don’t wire your AC into an overloaded electrical panel or poorly grounded unit. You’ll end up with an inefficient AC or risk overheating or dangerous electrical problems that could cost a bundle to repair. 

What to Do Instead?

It’s crucial to have your electrical setup inspected before installation. The team at Big Cat always verifies that your panel can handle the load, installs dedicated breakers when needed, and ensures everything is grounded, bonded, and safe to keep your system running smoothly. 

Ignoring Hidden Dangers of Drainage and Condensate Lines

Air conditioners produce moisture when they run, but all of that water has to go somewhere. If the condensate line isn’t installed or sloped correctly, you end up with leaks, mold, or expensive structural damage over time. Homeowners may not realize they have a drainage problem at all until there’s visible water damage. We’ve seen it all, including improperly routed lines dumping water into basements or causing drywall damage in finished spaces.

What to Do Instead?

We’ll handle it all for you and test that the drain slope is properly situated with pitched lines and automatic shutoffs that prevent overflows. We’ll prevent water damage before it ever happens.

Call Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for AC Installation in Colorado Springs.

Air conditioning installation in Colorado Springs isn’t always straightforward. It also requires precision, planning, and consideration of your home’s layout, ductwork, insulation, and airflow.

Here at Big Cat, we’ve helped hundreds of Colorado Springs homeowners upgrade to the most efficient, right-sized AC systems that deliver real results. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or making the switch to a heat pump, we’re here to make sure the job gets done right from the start.

Call us today to discuss your in-home AC consultation and avoid the most common and expensive installation mistakes. Schedule your appointment now!

Call Now (719) 784-7224 Call Now (719) 784-7224