What steps can you take when choosing an air conditioning system? Do you have some preferred brands? Which brands have the lowest running costs? It is better to follow the right steps when buying a unit than to worry about buying the right brand.
Consumers are advised to use the buying guide proposed by the government. Ideally, you should ask half a dozen air conditioning companies to quote their prices. Be sure to check the Better Business Bureau for the most suitable companies. Only firms with at least a decade of industry experience should be considered.
Any half-decent company will provide you with a free estimate. When requesting your quote, state that you will compare their estimate with other companies. Do not state what other companies have quoted for the same service. The best thing to tell them is that you will choose a company that offers the best value for money. The shortlisted companies should be willing to explain and convince you why their offer is the best.
The fact is that the top brands have systems that are similar in quality. Consumers should know that no system can run for eternity. Choose a system with standardized parts and plan for regular maintenance. Systems with standardized parts are easy to repair, while those with specialized parts are more costly to repair. Besides, most technicians are not familiar with specialized parts. You want to install a system that most technicians handle daily.
Rheem and Trane are thought to be some of the best air conditioning systems. Rheem units are reliable, well-designed, and simple for most technicians to handle. Therefore, you can expect top-quality workmanship. Trane is also a wonderful system, but it is more expensive. If you use the bidding system, prices may be reduced. If Trane is your preferred brand, you must ask your preferred companies to give you their best quotes.
Carrier units are made by United Technologies (The ICP Group). The same group also makes Payne, Byant, Day&Night, and ComfortMaker. Payne is the most affordable. It is often considered a builders’ grade. All these systems are reliable but make sure you choose a unit with standardized parts. This will make all the difference in the future.
Goodman Air Conditioners is now produced by Amana. These systems have had a less than stellar record in the past. In recent times, however, Goodman has had a solid record, and the prices of their units are competitive.
Other decent brands that you may want to consider are York, Nortek, and Lennox.
Finding a decent unit will not be difficult. What should concern you more is who is going to install the unit and how they’ll do it. Even the best air conditioners will not function properly if they have not been properly installed. After narrowing down your choice of air conditioners to 2, you must check the qualifications of the bidders. Check the level of training of their technicians. Make sure you also check their experience and ask all the questions you need to ask.
Air conditioning units must be properly installed. Some contractors may want to cut corners to make their work easier. Shortcuts can be costly in the long run, so you have to do your research to ensure you’re comfortable with the contractor you hire.
A typical 3-bedroom American bedroom can be heated and cooled comfortably by a $5,000 system. To get value for money, let the contractor know that you are comfortable with the use of “scratch and dent” HVAC equipment, provided the whole warranty will still be valid. The two remaining contractors should know that you’re comfortable with this.
Here is the plan: make a list of qualified bidders, discuss your needs with them, ask for quotes and narrow down your search to 2 contractors before making your final decision. Your final decision should be based on the value for money offered by the shortlisted installers. By following this guide, you will have the right contractor to install the right unit correctly.