Investing in central air conditioning can add comfort and real value to your home and property. Taking the time to research and select the right system for your home before you buy can save you both money and energy for the long term.
Here we explain some of the most common mistakes that homeowners should try to avoid when investing in central air conditioning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With an A/C Purchase
Mistake #1: Buying the wrong sized unit
Some buyers make the mistake of purchasing a unit that is either too large or too small for the space they need to cool. Don't assume that the largest sized unit will provide more cooling for your home. Different systems are designed for a certain load, or cooling capacity, depending on the size of your home. Operating the wrong sized system will result in inefficiency, energy loss and higher utility bills.
An HVAC professional should perform a property evaluation, including a Manual J Load Calculation, to determine the best sized system for your home. Be wary of any contractor who recommends a unit without completing this type of evaluation.
Mistake #2: Choosing an inexperienced or unqualified contractor
While you may save some money upfront by hiring a friend or the lowest-cost installer for your new investment, experience and knowledge should not be discounted in your decision. A highly-qualified HVAC contractor who has experience and/or is a dealer of the system you have purchased will give you a reliable and professional installation you can be confident with.
Read here for helpful information on how to choose the right HVAC company to meet your unique needs.
Mistake #3: Not getting a written estimate and guarantee
You should insist on receiving a written estimate of the purchase including a guarantee of the installation work and warranty information on the unit. The estimate should also include details on the timetable for the installation, payment terms and contact information.
If there are any questions or discrepancies on what you expect from the job, your written estimate can be your reference that helps you get the product and service you are paying for. It can also safeguard you if legal action is ever necessary.
Mistake #4: Shopping only for the lowest price
As in all investments, you get what you pay for. Shop for a system that offers true value and efficiency provided by a reputable brand and installer. The lowest priced system may save you some money up front, but may not be as efficient or reliable in the long run as a system that costs a little more and has a higher efficiency rating. The lowest cost for labor and might also buy you a less-than-thorough installation process as well.
Making your decision on price alone can cost you more in repairs, even in the short term, than choosing a quality system and installation that will offer more reliability.
Mistake #5: Not matching the components of your air conditioning system
If you replacing a central air system in your home, you may be tempted to have a partial replacement completed, meaning you replace only the component that is causing the current problems.
It's important to understand that the indoor and outdoor components are designed to work together in order to provide the maximum performance. Issues that can arise with a mismatched system include long-term cost on repairs and inefficiency. You can read more here on some of the cautions about a partial replacement.
Additional Benefits to Consider
For a large investment like central air conditioning, smart homeowners will do their research and ask questions throughout the entire process to ensure they are receiving the greatest value for their money. Don't forget these options in your decision:
Maintenance contracts.
For a major investment like central air conditioning, declining maintenance contracts can be a mistake. Depending on the terms of the contract, it can provide peace of mind for any unexpected repairs needed for the system.
The contract also makes you more likely to have maintenance performed on the system at scheduled times without feeling like you are paying more out of pocket. The contract may have savings built into it as well.
Product rebates.
Be sure you factor in any available rebates for different products when you consider the overall cost of the system. Missing available rebates can result in paying more than you need to for your system and its maintenance. Different rebates can be available depending on where you live and the brand you are evaluation. Click here for information about some rebates available in our service area.
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