Project Overview: Residential Central Air Conditioning Installation

Adding central air conditioning to an existing heating system can be a practical way to improve home comfort without replacing the entire HVAC setup. For this residential project in Teton, Idaho, Big Foot Heating & Cooling installed a new 3-ton Payne central air conditioning system, pairing it with a Bryant indoor evaporator coil and the home’s existing furnace.

During the initial job walk, our team evaluated the existing HVAC equipment, ductwork, thermostat wiring, basement access, and electrical layout to plan the installation. The home already had sufficient thermostat wiring for the new cooling equipment, allowing the existing heating system to be retained.

The existing ductwork included a 10×24-inch return air duct and a 24×24-inch supply duct. The unfinished basement also provided accessible space for routing the new refrigerant lines and electrical wiring.

With a 3-ton cooling system specified for the home, the project focused on integrating new air conditioning equipment with the existing heating infrastructure.

Equipment Selection and Installation Details

For this project, Big Foot Heating & Cooling installed a Payne 14 SEER2 air conditioning system paired with a Bryant indoor evaporator coil. The new system was designed to work alongside the home’s existing furnace, providing central cooling without requiring a complete HVAC replacement.

The installation included:

• Payne 3-ton central air conditioning condenser.
• Bryant indoor evaporator coil.
• New refrigerant lines connecting the indoor and outdoor equipment.
• Outdoor condenser pad and equipment anchoring.
• New electrical connections between the home’s electrical panel and outdoor AC unit.
• New electrical whip and low-voltage wiring.
• Condensate drainage components and installation materials.
• Required labor and permitting.

The home’s unfinished basement provided access for routing the new refrigerant lines and electrical wiring. During the initial assessment, our technicians also identified an unused dryer vent opening as a potential route for the refrigerant lines, helping simplify the planned connection between the indoor and outdoor equipment.

The electrical work included running a dedicated connection from the home’s electrical panel to the new outdoor AC unit.

Air Conditioning Installation and System Testing

A proper air conditioning installation involves more than positioning the outdoor condenser and connecting the indoor equipment. Refrigerant lines, electrical connections, drainage, and system controls all need to be properly integrated.

After installing the Bryant indoor coil and positioning the Payne outdoor condenser, our technicians completed the refrigerant line connections. The copper connections were brazed, followed by a nitrogen pressure test to check for leaks.

The refrigerant lines were then evacuated using a vacuum pump to remove moisture and unwanted gases before the system was charged and balanced.

Additional electrical and thermostat connections were completed to integrate the new air conditioner with the existing HVAC equipment. The installation concluded with a full system startup and operational test to verify proper operation.

Results and Benefits of Adding Central Air Conditioning

With the new Payne central air conditioning system installed, this Teton, Idaho home now has dedicated cooling to complement its existing heating system.

The Payne air conditioner features a 14 SEER2 efficiency rating and several features designed to support residential cooling performance.

Key equipment features include:

• 14 SEER2 efficiency: Designed to provide efficient residential cooling.
• Single-stage operation: Provides cooling through a straightforward single-stage operating cycle.
• Enhanced summer dehumidification: Helps remove excess moisture from indoor air during cooling operation.
• DuraGuard™ Plus protection: Provides additional protection for the outdoor equipment.
• R454B refrigerant: A newer-generation refrigerant with a lower global warming potential than many older refrigerants.

The installation includes a 10-year limited parts warranty upon timely registration and a 1-year labor warranty. Big Foot Heating & Cooling handles the manufacturer registration for the homeowner.

By adding central air conditioning to the existing HVAC equipment, this project gave the homeowners a way to enjoy improved summer comfort without replacing their entire heating system.

Whether you’re considering adding air conditioning to an existing furnace or planning a complete heating and cooling upgrade, Big Foot Heating & Cooling provides residential HVAC services throughout Teton and the surrounding communities.

Explore our cooling services or learn more about our air conditioning repair and installation services.