Choosing A New Heating & Air Conditioning System

Replacing an ineffective or old heating and air conditioning system can easily work to save you money while making your environment more comfortable. These days, there are a variety of systems designed to cool and heat your home with far less power that can even result in some mail in rebates, depending on the electric company you go through. In this article, we will offer up a few tips to help you pick out the system that best suits your needs.

Step 1 - The initial step in the process of purchasing a new system is determining the size and type of system that is most appropriate for your needs. In general, there are 2 different system types: heat pumps and AC systems. As each system works in different ways and are each better suited for specific regions, the decision as to which system to purchase should be discussed with a professional. Size will also play a large role in the decision-making process.

Step 2- Once the correct size has been determined, the next step is to obtain a variety of estimates from licensed area specialists. Each estimate should include the workload, potential overrun costs, the total cost estimate, a description of the unit that will be installed and the start/finish dates. A licensed should also be provided by the contractor along with their current insurance information, as required by the state where you reside.

Step 3 - Compare each estimate side by side and figure out which offer best suits your needs. Avoid making a decision based on cost alone, as you will often get what you pay for. Points such as payment options, the completion time estimate and whether or not there is a complete estimate should all play into the decision-making process. Be sure to get in touch with your area Better Business Bureau to find out information regarding references from past customers. As this company will be working on your property, you will need to know that you can trust them.

Step 4 - Be sure to keep an eye on the progress of the project throughout the installation process. Is the team working safely and adhering to state and local building codes? Do the details in the estimate match up with the equipment being used? Has an inspector been present during the project to check up on the work being provided? Is the worksite being kept neat and orderly, with workers clearing away mess and debris? If one or more of these aspects appears out of whack, there's no harm in speaking with the project manager to rectify the issue.

Step 5 - After project completion, be sure to have the project manager outline every aspect of the new unit's operation. Manuals should be left at the property, along with project permits, warranty information and any other materials used throughout the course of the installation. Make sure to find out who you should speak with if any issues or questions arise later on.