Air Conditioner Buying, Tips From A Pro...The process of air conditioner buying begins with finding the proper size. This is accomplished through a procedure that is known as a load calculation. **HOT TIP** Avoid a contractor that uses a rule of thumb or bases the size of the required unit on the existing unit. Next, you should decide how much you can afford to spend. This will be a factor in determining the efficiency and special features you get. As a general rule, get the highest efficiency (seer) unit you can afford because that will save you money in operating costs. The next step in air conditioner buying is to decide what special features, if any, you would like to have. Things such as seer (efficiency) and two speed units can be considered. You should watch for the common practice of "upselling". This is a process where a contractor will give you a bargain price for the basic model and then add on extras to make the real profits. Normally, the quote will have three categories (options) which are sometimes referred to as good, better, and best. It is easy to be pressured into wasting some serious money. After you have decided what features you would like, continue your air conditioner buying process by choosing a brand. You can consult our brand rankings page to compare the quality of the units. Next, you can check the manufacturers website (which we have provided) for recommended dealers. You should get at least three quotes from the recommended dealers. The quotes should include all parts, materials, taxes, labor, etc. to install and be in writing. Make sure that all the quotes are for the same type (seer, refrigerant type, etc.) and size of equipment. Do not allow the dealers to add anything extra to the quote such as indoor air quality products etc. The quote should include the standard manufacturers warranty. Any extended warranty offered should be separated on the quote with its' cost and the name of the company administering the warranty. (This is required by law in many states) Also, before purchasing the extended warranty, make sure you understand what maintenance is required to be performed by a dealer. The dealer should give a one year basic labor warranty unless the manufacturers' is longer. Do not pay for the job before completion. You should not have to pay more than half of the total job cost up front. After the job is completed and before you write that final check, inspect the quality of the job. The following check list will help to ensure a top quality job: 1. The outdoor unit should be level. 2. The outdoor unit should be sitting on a pad made of concrete or hardened plastic. 3. There should be a 12 inch space between the outdoor unit and the home to allow proper air flow. 4. There should be a refrigerant filter/drier in the system. 5. There should be an electrical disconnect within three feet of the outdoor unit. 6. There should not be any scraps or trash left around the installation areas. (You want someone who pays attention to the little details) 7. The copper lines running from the indoor unit to the outdoor ubit should be insulated. 8. The copper lines should be supported every four feet and be as short as possible. 9. Normally, the copper lines should be the same size as the connections on the unit. If they are not, ask the installer how they determined the size of lines to use. Have them to show you in the manufacturers installation instructions. 10. Both the main and emergency drain connections on the evaporator should run to a suitable drain. 11. A digital thermostat should have been installed. 12. Run the system through a complete cooling cycle to verify proper operation. The final step in air conditioner buying is to have the dealer/installer walk around the job with you. Check the things on the list and ask the installer for the warranty papers and the owners manual. Make sure you know whether any action is required by you to register the equipment with the manufacturer. When satisfied, you can write the final check.
RETURN FROM AIR CONDITIONER BUYING TO HOME |