Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Central Air Conditioning

I'm trying to find information on installing a central air conditioning system in my home. We have electric heat and are happy with it. I just want an air handler in the attic, and the compressor outside. I need to know if the main trunk line has to be a specific size, do the openings need to be spaced at a minimum distance apart and general information on the correct sequence of the project. Any help would be greatly appreciated. THANKS

There is no simple answer, since the air conditioner must be sized and installed to provide the needed amount of cooling to each room and for the entire house without being too large.

I have looked for online information to guide the do-it-yourselfer and found none. See the following sites for cooling tips designed for buyers.

http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/no_regrets/airconditioner.html

http://www.fosters.com/special_sections/real_estate/articles2001/0611d_01.htm

http://www.hometips.com/hyhw/comfort/comfort.html

The manufacturers provide considerable information in the Installation Instructions that come with each unit. They all expect the equipment to be installed by professionals and they do not encourage do-it-yourselfers to take on this job.