Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing an Air Conditioner

July 23, 2018

1. The Wrong Sized Unit

It is easy to buy a unit too large or too small for your space. A larger unit does not necessarily mean more cooling power. Each AC system is designed for certain sized spaces, different cooling needs, household age, etc. A unit that is too large or too small is inefficient and results in energy loss and money wasted.

One of the HVAC technicians in our office can provide you with an evaluation and calculation of the most appropriate system. There is a series of mathematical calculations that go into determining the right size for your home.

2. Hiring an Unqualified Contractor

Make sure you hire someone that is experienced and certified to do the job right. By hiring someone inexperienced at a lower cost, you may save money up front but it could end up costing you more down the line in both repairs and inefficient energy costs.

Check the certifications and qualifications of any company you are considering hiring and be wary of someone that is going to install a unit without a home evaluation.

3. Not Getting a Written Estimate

You should always get estimates in writing. Make sure your estimate includes a warranty, guarantee of installation and timeframe details as well as terms for payment.

4. Shopping by Lowest Price

We all like to save money and looking for the best deals is a smart way to shop. You should compare prices so that you can make an informed purchase. Shopping for the lowest price is not always the smartest move. The saying goes, you get what you pay for. Sometimes the lowest price is the best price, sometimes you get a low priced system because it is reflective of the quality that you are installing. Usually a higher price means more efficiency, less repairs and thorough installation. The reality is that your upfront cost may be higher but you will save money in the long run.

5. Non-matching Air Conditioning Components

If you are replacing your air conditioning system you should almost ALWAYS replace both the indoor and outdoor parts of the system. These two pieces are designed to work together. A mismatched system can be costly to run and costly to repair later.