7 Key Questions to Ask Before Buying an Air Conditioner

Before buying an air conditioner ask these questions. Keep reading for 7 key questions to ask before buying an air conditioner.

Sales of air conditioners are on the up. From a low of 3.42 million in 2010 sales have risen to 5.4 million in 2018. But which air conditioner should you buy?

Before buying an air conditioner ask these questions. Keep reading for 7 key questions to ask before buying an air conditioner.

1.  What’s the Cooling Capacity of the Air Conditioner?

When buying a new air conditioner, it’s tempting to simply replace the old unit with a similar capacity model. You can’t be sure that the original air conditioner was sized correctly for your home.

Technology in air conditioners is always advancing just as it is in other appliances. It’s important to have your home assessed to determine its air conditioning needs.

Your air conditioning suppliers should be able to complete a survey and load calculation to industry standards. They will consider your home’s unique characteristics and ensure you get a suitable air conditioner.

Among the large number of factors to consider are the size and layout of your home. Also, the number of windows and their location makes a significant difference in your air conditioning requirements. Even the amount of shade from trees or other buildings and the orientation of your home should be taken into consideration.

An accurate assessment of your air conditioning needs will help your air conditioning contractor recommend the right air conditioner for you. A contractor who does not assess your needs and recommends an air conditioner with the appropriate capacity should be avoided.

2. Will the Air Conditioning Fitters be Qualified and Experienced?

Your air conditioning unit is an important investment. It can enhance the value of your home if you wish to sell. It can also be an attractive feature for a prospective buyer.

You want your air conditioner to be installed properly and to be reliable. Breakdowns due to poor fitting are likely to happen when you most need your air conditioner to work. That is in hot weather.

You need competent fitters to ensure your investment gives you a good return. Ask, who will be fitting your air conditioner? Ask, what qualifications and experience do they have?

Ask for references from previous customers. Check out specifically how the installation went.

Was the work done the right way, first time? Did the fitters work cleanly and efficiently?

3. What New Technology Can I Have?

There are many new features you can expect from your new air conditioner. Find out what options are available.

Variable speed motors are an innovation that lets your air conditioner operate at low speed around the clock. They speed up only when needed making them efficient and effective.

An air conditioner can be part of an integrated system. This means it can work alongside your heating, thermostats and other ventilation equipment. Ask if this would be possible.

You can control appliances remotely using an app on your smartphone. For example, security systems, lighting, and heating systems can all be monitored and operated remotely.

If you find this functionality useful, consider adding remote control of your air conditioning to your list of remotely controlled appliances. This way you can switch on your air conditioning when you leave work and have your home nice and cool for you when you arrive.

Your air conditioning can also have additional features. As well as cooling your home you air conditioning unit can incorporate a dehumidifier, air cleaner, and ventilator. With these features, you can remove pollen, tobacco smoke, dust, mold, and bacteria.

4. How Energy Efficient is the Air Conditioner?

All electrical appliances use electricity. More efficient air conditioners can save you money by using less electricity.

Check the star rating of the air conditioning units you are considering. This will give you an indication of the comparative efficiency of the models you are considering.

The most energy-efficient models will incorporate digital thermostats, variable speeds, and more efficient operation. They also have less environmental impact.

5. What Are Maintenance Needs of the Air Conditioner?

Scheduling preventative maintenance is essential if you want to protect your investment in your air conditioner. Routine basic maintenance helps prevent problems occurring and extends the life of your air conditioning unit.

Along with your air conditioning installation, ask about the preventative maintenance service of your contractor. What is included and what is the cost?

It’s best to schedule your preventative maintenance so you can be assured of a fully working air conditioning unit when you need it. A spring service sets you up for a summer of reliable air conditioning.

 You might think that you can save on preventative maintenance if you buy a new air conditioner but this can be a false economy. If you wait for a breakdown to occur before you get a technician in, you may find that the repair bill is much greater than the preventative maintenance cost. Preventative maintenance also helps keep your operating costs down by keeping your air conditioner energy efficient.

6. What’s the Total Cost?

Having a new air conditioner fitted can include several cost components. There’s the air conditioner itself and any associated components. There may be a cost for any construction work in your home. There is also the installation cost, made up mostly of labor costs but it may also include disposal of an old air conditioner.

Further costs to bear in mind are the operating costs. That’s the cost of the energy you will use. You can also factor in the cost of preventative maintenance.

With the total cost for your air conditioner, you are ready to decide. Review your options and select the air conditioner and deal that best suits you and your home.

7. When Can You Install My New Air Conditioner?

There’s just one more thing to do. You should consider the best time to install your new air conditioner.

If you have an existing air conditioner that is not working and summer is approaching then you may want to get this done soon. Even if you have a functioning air conditioner, the installation process will mean you will be without air conditioning for at least some time. There will also be some disruption in your home while work is completed.

Discuss your preferred installation timescale with your supplier. They will explain the process and work with you to keep disruption to a minimum.

Stay Cool

Any significant purchase can be a worry. Having construction work done in your home can be stressful. Armed with the right questions you can minimize the stress of buying a new air conditioner and stay cool.

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For The Yucatan Times
YucaTech