So your AC finally bit the dust, or you’re moving into a new house, or you can’t live in the heat any longer . . . . Whatever. You are in the hunt for a new central air conditioning system.
Before you start shopping, here are a few tips to think about before investing in a new air conditioner.
First, where do you live? If it’s a semi-tropical area like Florida or Carolina, your AC will run most of the year. In that case, invest in a system that will operate efficiently and save you money over the course of its lifetime.
If you live in a desert area such as Arizona, consider how well the system will work in the hottest weather, when the mercury hits triple digits. If you are in a dry zone where the heat is less extreme, you could opt for a heat pump, which costs less to operate. Read our blog post on heat pumps for more information.
Ducts or no ducts; it’s central AC
Next, consider your home. If you are replacing an older air conditioner, your house already has ductwork. Now’s the time to have those ducts inspected, and upgraded if necessary. By some estimates, 40% of the cooled air in the average home escapes through leaky ducts.
If you’re having a new air conditioner installed in an older home, you could consider ductless mini-splits. These central air conditioning systems operate without ductwork– and they allow you to control different rooms or zones. So the bedrooms can stay at 60 while the living room warms up to 70 degrees.
When you’re ready to compare, get at least three quotes from contractors. You can start by entering your zip code on our website. Make sure the contractor performs a Manual J, to determine how much cooling power you need.
Get references for each contractor, and don’t be afraid to call their customers. Ask for specifics: What was done? Was it completed on time and according to the estimate? Have they had problems with followup service? Did the contractor leave a mess in his wake?
Low-ball, high ball, all bids count
After you’ve gotten a couple of bids, you can compare them. The lowest price isn’t always the best. Ask the contractor why his estimate is higher. There may be components that the low-ball bid doesn’t include. Also make sure you look closely at the contractor’s warranty, and read the fine print.
After you’ve chosen your HVAC contractor, get everything in writing–not just the price, but an installation schedule, model numbers, warranty information and service contract, if applicable.
Once you and your contractor have decided on the system, check into financial incentives. An EnergyStar air conditioner will come with a federal tax credit. Local utilities sometimes have programs to encourage homeowners to buy high-efficiency systems.
Air conditioning systems are generally made to last; they are tough and durable. Proper installation, however, is critical. Because your new air conditioner will be with you as long as your kindergarten-aged child, it pays to do your homework.