Three Preparations To Make For A New Air Conditioner In Your Home
Before you finalize the purchase and installation of a new air conditioner, there are several steps you can take to make the whole process go more smoothly. Preparing for the buying and installation process lets you establish all the services you need, know your price from the get-go, and potentially save some money.
Your Inspections
Before your air conditioner is actually installed, your installer will probably want to take a look at your house during a consultation for a few different things. First, your ducts will likely be inspected to see if they need to be repaired or replaced. Old ducts that have lost their airtight seal or that are starting to lose their insulation could result in significant performance decreases and increased energy bills regardless of how efficient the rest of your new system is. If your ducts are losing up to 40 percent of your air, the quality of your new air conditioner will be offset.
Your technician will also need to inspect your house to see what size air conditioner needs to be installed. The "size" of an air conditioner is another way of referring to its output capacity, and what you need is typically determined by factors like your home's square footage and the climate in which you live. If you get an oversized air conditioner it will cycle on and off too quickly, and an undersized air conditioner will have to work much harder to keep your house cool, so getting this right before installation is vital. The size of your old air conditioner isn't necessarily correct, so it's a good idea to have this verified just in case.
Your Budget
A new air conditioner is a significant investment, so it's worth making sure you know exactly what you're paying before you make your final decision, but you can also see if there's any way you can save some money.
First, contact several different installers to see what kind of quotes you get for what you need. You can use these estimates to negotiate better prices later on.
Next, see if there are any grants or tax credits you can benefit from for getting a new air conditioner. For example, if you're a low-income household, you may qualify for a tax credit from the Department of Energy or a grant from the Weatherization Assistance Program. Do some research and apply for different grants you may qualify for; even if you don't get accepted for all of them, this could still be a significant help.
Finally, explore your financing options if that's something you may need. Personal loans could be a better option than credit cards, but if you've been thinking about taking out a loan against your home's equity, this could be a good time to explore that option as well.
Your Contract
Before you sign anything and get the process started, your contract should absolutely be finalized. This will include things like what services are being performed, the details of those services, the total cost and your payment, any warranty information, and everything else you need to know before the process begins. Not only does it give you a chance to look everything over and make sure you're getting everything you need, but it can also let you negotiate if you think the contract can be improved or if you think you can get a better deal.
Looking over the services in your contract is important before the process begins so you can avoid any fees you weren't expecting. For example, if you're expecting that the removal of your old HVAC equipment is part of the process, but you don't see that in your contract, you can address this before the installation starts. Likewise, check for components like a thermostat, new vents, any duct repairs, and anything else you think you need. In this case, a detailed contract is your friend.
Finally, this can help you when it comes to repairs and maintenance in the future, especially in regards to what may void your warranty. Compare it to other quotes if you need help to get a frame of reference, or take a look at what every base contract should include.
Learn more about choosing a new air conditioner and get professional AC installation services by contacting an HVAC contractor like Vigil Air in your area.
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