When your furnace or air conditioner fails, replacing your system comes with a long list of important decisions. You need to select the type of system you want, determine the right size for your new unit, find a reliable contractor, decide on a maintenance or warranty plan, and much more.
Many people neglect important considerations when they select a new unit or decide on a contractor and service plan. Here are a few common pitfalls that plague furnace and AC replacements.
Stopping at One Estimate
No matter how good the first estimate you receive may be, the next estimate could provide even better installation options or service costs. Shopping around can also help you get an idea of the market rate for the products and services you want, and unmask offers that are suspiciously low.
Missing Rebate Opportunities
Many states have rebate opportunities for new air conditioners or furnaces, particularly for systems that come with higher efficiency ratings. Some states offer rebates as high as $1,500, and even smaller rebates may be well worth the extra time and effort to secure them.
Selecting the Cheapest Offer
New furnaces and air conditioners are a major expense, and super discounted products and services can be extremely tempting. However, these discounts frequently involve hidden short-cuts that may cost you big down the road. Some contractors can afford to make cut-rate offers by using inferior parts and hiring inexperienced technicians, which can lead to costly errors and systems that break down more quickly than they should.
Overlooking SEER Ratings
Furnaces and AC systems with higher SEER (season energy efficiency ratio) ratings usually have higher initial costs than systems with lower ratings. However, greater efficiency means lower energy bills, which should make up for the higher upfront costs in a relatively short amount of time.
Buying the Wrong Size
You need to properly size your new furnace or AC for your home, taking such factors into account as square footage, climate and occupancy. When units aren’t sized correctly, they will break down more easily, work less efficiently and can even cause mold to build up inside the duct work. This can end up costing you a significant amount of money through higher energy bills and early replacement of parts.
Using an Unreliable Contractor
Don’t trust contractors just because they have a good sales pitch. Read customer reviews from reputable consumer websites, and make sure that the contractor you select is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. With reputable contractors, you should avoid common headaches such as delayed installations or unexpected charges, and less common but more serious problems such as botched installations.
At Rose Heating, we’re happy to help with the complicated process of replacing your AC or furnace! Thank you for visiting our blog, and please follow us for more HVAC information and insight.