So your AC bit the dust and you need to have it replaced. You’re going to spend a nice chunk of change, you know that.
This Old House very roughly estimates that a new central air conditioner for a 2,000-square-foot home costs $3,500-4,000 and can be switched out in two or three days. That’s when the home has an intact duct system. For a house that needs ductwork, the cost and work time doubles.
So why do so many people trust this job— the installation of a major appliance that they’ll live with for 10, 15 years— to an unskilled or unqualified guy? Maybe because they don’t know how to go about it . . . . ?
First clue that the guy at your door might not be the skilled technician that you need: He doesn’t ask any questions. A true pro needs to know if you are comfortable with the system you had. He doesn’t generalize. If someone says, ‘You have a 4,200-square-foot house, therefore you need X tons of air conditioning’, show him or her to the door.
There is something called the Manual J that very specifically estimates your cooling needs, not only by square feet but by the number of windows, number of occupants, height of ceilings, exposure (north, south, west, east), amount of insulation and much more.
It’s a technical tool used by all qualified HVAC pros. (For more info about the Manual J from the source, Air Conditioning Contractors of America [ACCA], see here: http://www.acca.org/technical-manual/manual-j/)
If you have never used an AC contractor before, you can start by asking neighbors and checking online. Then ask several of them to give you a quote. (It’s immensely better if you have had a relationship with an HVAC guy in a non-emergency situation, but if not, read on . . . .)
You want someone who can offer service and a warranty, who has trained technicians on the payroll. Ask if they are licensed by the state or local board. Ask to see the license. Ask for references, and talk about service agreements. You shouldn’t need a service contract while the system is brand new, but you will eventually. Contractors who are committed for the long run will work with your priorities.
Sometimes it seems that half the homeowners out there have a story about half-baked HVAC contractors. It’s unfortunate that the bad apples get the publicity, because there are many qualified, responsible people in the industry.
If you have a good HVAC guy, give him a shout-out. Tell your neighbors. Submit an online review. And if you don’t have one yet, start here: http://www.acdoctor.com/get-educated/be-comfortable/quality-installation/. After 60-plus years in this business, we know a few good ones.