Three Steps To Purchasing A New AC

It is a hundred degrees outside and all you want is to walk into your nice cool home, but instead, you realize that your AC has stopped working. Purchasing a new unit can be a frustrating experience, especially when you want to make sure you are getting your money's worth. While it is true that you get what you pay for when it comes to air conditioners, there are ways to make sure you are not overpaying for a unit and your needs are met.

Understanding Terms

Before purchasing a new air conditioner, or even contacting an HVAC company, you will want to know a few terms in the field. The first term you will hear is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, SEER, and it refers to the efficiency of the unit. Optimally, the higher the SEER rating, the better the efficiency and lower your overall costs will be for operating the unit. Most units on the market today will be rated between 14 to 16, but the higher ratings often come with a higher installation cost. The second term to know is tonnage, which sounds like it refers to weight but it does not. Tonnage is how much heat you can remove from the house in a process of one hour. This term is extremely vital in knowing what size unit to purchase so you can optimize the efficiency of the unit.

Cost Expectations

Once you know the terms and have a good idea of what size unit you need for your home, it is time to start looking at costs. The cost of AC installation will depend heavily on the unit you purchase and any ductwork necessary. You should plan on spending anywhere from $3500 to $7000 for the entire installation process. Before making a purchase, you will want to do your research on what to expect. As your air conditioner ages, talk to your HVAC contractor for estimates on new units. In addition, talk to your friends and neighbors on companies or brands they find the best.

Get Quotes

When your house is hot, you may be tempted to just go with the first option that presents itself to get you comfortable again. However, you will want to obtain three to five quotes from different companies for AC installation. This will give you a good idea of what to expect, but you will also want to check reviews on the businesses. You do not want to just jump with the most expensive thinking it will guarantee good service, just as you do not want to skip over extremely cheap rates.

During the quote process, you will want to walk with the contractor to watch what they are looking at and make sure they are obtaining a good read on what your home needs. Contractors should be understanding that you are going to look for several quotes and help guide you to understand what you need to consider before purchasing. They will help you do your homework, but it is ultimately up to you to make sure you get the unit that you want. Contact a company like Bowen Refrigeration to learn more.


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