3 Important Things to Look for When Buying a New AC Unit

Buying a new ac unit can be a very stressful time. Most people wait until their current unit dies before getting a new one.

We know this leaves the homeowner with added stress and a sense of urgency. How can you be sure that the contractors are even being honest with you?

Sometimes it’s hard to tell, and that’s why we’ve put together the top three things to think about. Read on to find out what they are!

1. Getting the Right Size for Your New AC Unit

Buying a new AC isn’t as easy as just buying the same size that you had before. New advances in how the units work might mean a different size unit is needed. Also, any updates to your home, such as new windows, doors or a room addition can also influence that.

Don’t worry, a good contractor will calculate everything for you.

The contractor should look at every room in your home and in the attic and crawl spaces. If they don’t take the time to do this, it would be really hard for them to properly calculate.

2. Increase Efficiency and Energy Savings

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the way we evaluate the efficiency of an AC unit. The tests are done in a lab, similar to how car manufacturers get the MPG on the car’s sticker.

It’s important, but it isn’t everything. High-efficiency models have a SEER between 14 and 25.5 – no unit sold in the USA should be lower than a 13.

For most households, 14-18 will be efficient and save you on your electricity bill. It might cost more upfront to get a higher SEER, but it will pay for itself in the long run.

3. Getting a Good Price

There are a lot of different brands out there to choose from. However, for the most part, they are the same. It’s always good to talk to a few different contractors and price check.

On average a new AC unit will cost around $5,000 –  $7,000 if you are replacing the furnace at the same time. This is just an average. The area and the equipment needed to install can cause the cost to vary.

Buying directly from an HVAC retailer can cut your costs greatly. However, they don’t like to sell directly to customers because installation can be dangerous.

We don’t advise you trying to install on your own either, but you might be able to find a contractor that will install a unit you bought directly through the retailer.

When looking for a contractor, be careful because the cheapest price is not always the best deal. They might not offer maintenance, or they may use sub-par materials. You tend to get what you pay for.

Don’t Stress Yourself Out

We understand that purchasing a new AC unit is stressful, but don’t add any more on your plate than necessary. Follow these tips and you can help relieve some of that weight.

If you have any questions or just want to talk to an HVAC specialist, contact us.