Most residents will agree that air conditioners are necessary for living in the Sarasota area – so the A/C unit you choose must be reliable and cost-efficient. An HVAC unit is a significant investment, but making the right choice can help you to minimize ongoing costs, maximize health and comfort and keep repair bills to a minimum. Many homeowners feel overwhelmed when choosing the right air conditioner, but we are here to help with a quick and easy buyers guide.
An HVAC Buyers Guide
What questions should you ask when shopping for a new A/C unit? It begins with ensuring that you understand what you need as a homeowner.
- What is the footprint of the home that needs cooling?
- How many people live in the home full-time?
- How many stories does the home have?
- What is the layout of the house? Are there many small rooms divided by walls, or is it an open floor plan?
- Where are air vents located?
The answers to the above questions will help homeowners determine which air conditioning system is right for them.
- Size Your A/C Properly– Sizing is critical to the purchase process, as choosing an A/C unit that is either too large or too small for your footprint can result in significant problems in the future. A unit that is too big for your home will use energy needlessly, and a unit that is too small will do the same as it tries to cool a house too large for its specifications.
- Count the Costs – When choosing an air conditioning system for your home, be sure to include the cost for installation, inspections, ductwork, and any needed parts or site preparation into your budget. These variables may affect the unit that you can afford.
- Consider Energy Efficiency– While a cheap A/C unit may seem like the best option at the moment, an inefficient unit is likely to cost a homeowner much more in the long run. Paying more for a high-efficiency air conditioner today could represent significant savings over the years. Ask your A/C services representative about any available rebates or programs to help you to purchase the most efficient air conditioner for your needs. Be sure to ask about available financing as well.
- Understand the Available Warranties– A standard manufacturer’s warranty will provide coverage for new HVAC systems, but other warranties may also be available to the purchaser. However, it is essential to understand that warranties can be voided if the unit is installed improperly, not maintained adequately, or if off-brand parts are used for repair. Be sure to understand the terms of all applicable warranties before you purchase. You can also ask the A/C service company representative to explain the warranty contracts – so you know how the coverages work and avoid an expensive mistake.
- Choose the Right Installation Expert: Sometimes homeowners try to save money by performing major installations independently, but this can prove a costly strategy. Not only is it possible to unwittingly void a warranty, but an amateur installer could damage the unit, home, wiring, or ductwork. Air conditioning installation is one project you want to get right the first time to save headaches and cash down the road.
The best strategy for choosing the best HVAC unit for your home is enlisting the help of a professional air conditioning services company. Expert A/C technicians can assess your current situation, make recommendations, help with rebates and warranties and guarantee the installation goes as planned. At Ocean Air, we are dedicated to providing professional, knowledgeable, courteous service to our Sarasota customers. Call today to learn more about how our “shared ownership” policy can benefit you.