Three things to avoid while buying an air conditioner
Buying a new air conditioner can seem like a difficult task. After all, a new air conditioner is an expensive investment that affects how much money you spend month-to-month AND your home comfort satisfaction. There is nothing worse than having to spend a ton of money to cool a home in summer and not experiencing an expected payoff in comfort.
A good way to head off any concerns about choosing the right system is doing some preliminary research to know what to (and NOT to) look for in a system. And, more importantly, research the professional you hire to be your guide throughout this process. Here are the top three pitfalls you should avoid to make your air conditioner buying experience a positive one.
- Online purchases from unauthorized sources or auction sites. Like we’ve said before, air conditioners are an expensive investment. It can be tempting to cut corners in a big way by going to online auction sites to get the best deal on a system. However, you always want to go through an authorized dealer. For one, a quality professional contractor is not going to want to go near a system that has been purchased online. This means the contractor who IS willing to install the equipment may not be the best person for the job. Also, your system will not be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. This is because, when a system is sold through unauthorized channels, quality can no longer be assured.
- HVAC contractor red flags. Quotes over the phone… No sizing performed… Rock bottom prices with shady past reviews… These are all things that may indicate that a contractor may not be the best person to guide you through the buying process and install your system. High-quality contractors may have to charge a bit more for their services because they are responsible for keeping up with training, permits, certifications and maintaining an outstanding business. Look at reviews, get recommendations and make sure that the person you hire is qualified to install the equipment you want.
- Sacrificing energy efficiency and quality for a lower price tag. The cost of an air conditioner doesn’t stop at installation. There are month-to-month utility bill expenses to consider and future maintenance to keep your system running at peak efficiency levels. That’s why it is important that you buy the most efficient system that fits in your budget. Trust me, this is an investment that you won’t regret down the line.
