The warmer months will be on their way soon (we hope) and at this time of year, many homeowners’ thoughts turn to ensuring their summer home comforts, especially when it comes to keeping cool. If you are considering investing in a new central air conditioning system as an upgrade on an old system, or those messy window A/Cs, there are a number of points to consider before actually doing so.
The Importance of Finding a Great Pro
Firstly, installing a central air conditioning system is any kind is certainly not a DIY project and all work must be completed by a good HVAC specialist. Central air conditioning that is improperly installed can not only drain your pocketbook by increasing your energy bills but can also be dangerous, both in terms of an increased risk of water damage and electrical overloads that can cause dangerous fires.
The first thing you need to consult with an HVAC specialist about is your home’s actual suitability to accommodate a central air system of any kind. Newly constructed homes are usually very well suited to such a system and most homes that already have a forced air system in place are good candidates as well since the new A/C units can “piggy-back†of the existing setup.
If, on the other hand, brand new duct work or extensive electrical wiring will have to be put in place before a central air system can be installed it may simply prove too expensive and your HVAC professional should be able to make other recommendations to help cool your home down.
How Big Should You Go?
If your home is a good candidate for central air, then you need to make a decision about exactly the kind you are going to have installed. Just a few decades ago central air was considered to be a luxury for the wealthier homeowner only, as the costs involved to run it were indeed quite substantial. Thanks to new, very energy efficient models though, these costs have fallen dramatically.
In order to make sure you are getting the best deal and choosing the best central air conditioning system for your home it is helpful if you understand a little about the basics of cooling a home yourself.
When it comes to air conditioners, bigger is not always better. The most important thing is to choose a system that is suited to the size and layout of your home. What may be perfect for your neighbor down the street may not be the best choice for your home. Choose a system that is too small and it simply won’t be able to keep up on a very hot day, while one that is too large will tend to cycle on and off too often, increasing energy costs unnecessarily.
Hire the Best Help, Not the Cheapest
When choosing a contractor to install your central air conditioning system bear in mind that it will need regular servicing once it is installed and that it will need to be performed for the duration of its useful life. When checking references, make sure that you ask about the company’s record for service as well.
Getting the job done quickly and for a good price are wonderful things, but if the HVAC company is not going to be available to service your unit if things go wrong (and they often do, however good the installation) those advantages will be insignificant. When you are standing in your home boiling hot, frustrated, or faced with water or electrical damage (or worse) caused by a central air system that should have been serviced a long time ago those extra few dollars saved or days shaved off an installation time may not seem like such wonderful things at all anymore.
If you have any questions about our range of services, please do not hesitate to contact us on 816-436-1000 or email us: service@arcticairkc.com. One of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will be happy to assist you in any way they can and answer all your queries.