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5 Questions You Need to Ask When Shopping for a New AC

Published:
August 4, 2020

Shopping for a new air conditioner is no easy task. There are many things to take into consideration before making your big purchase, such as brand, price, how effective the system will be at cooling your home, and which AC installation contractor you’ll use. These choices can make or break your home comfort, especially during the hot summers of Edmonton.

In addition to the common considerations mentioned above, there are several other important questions you should ask when shopping for a new AC. These questions include:

  • Can I install AC myself?
  • What size AC do I need?
  • Does the unit offer smart home integration?
  • What warranty comes with the AC and installation?
  • What additional maintenance will be needed?

However, the most important thing you can do to ensure you make the right choice is to use the best contractor for the job. The day your AC is installed is the most important in its lifecycle, because an improper installation can cause many things to go wrong later down the line.

5 questions to ask when getting your AC installation quote

If you're wondering "What should I look for when buying an air conditioner?" read on! We can help. Here are six important factors to consider when shopping for a new AC and getting your free in-home estimate.

  1. Can I install AC myself?

We do not recommend trying to DIY your air conditioner installation. Even if the process may seem easy — such as in situations of existing ductwork — it is often not simple. In addition, manufacturers will often only honour warranty if the AC unit was installed by a certified, licensed HVAC technician, which means if you decide to install your AC yourself and something goes wrong, you may have to pay more for a brand new unit and fresh installation!

The most important thing you can do to ensure a properly working and efficient air conditioning system is to choose the best best contractor for the job. The day your AC is installed is the most important in its lifecycle, because an improper installation can cause many things to go wrong later down the line.

  1. What size AC do I need?

Size matters when it comes to cooling your home!

An air conditioner that is too small for your home will have to work overtime to cool it, which increases energy consumption and costs. On the other hand, a unit that is too big will have a shorter lifespan and will waste energy (and money) because it will turn on and off so regularly.

There are many factors at play when it comes to sizing the right AC for you and your home. For example, at your free in-home estimate, your home comfort advisor will take into account the size of your home, its layout, your existing HVAC system, and even things like the location of your windows! That's why it's so important to have a professional assess your home, your budget, and your cooling needs.

  1. Does the unit offer smart home integration?

Do you currently have or want a smart home? Then your AC unit should be capable of smart home integration.

Amana, for example, offers air conditioners that are compatible with ComfortBridgeTM technology. This allows you to control your system from your phone and, better yet, for your system to learn and make changes to your home's temperature in order to be the most effective and efficient that it can be — saving you money.

If smart home integration is important to you, make sure you ask this question to ensure your air conditioner provides all the capabilities you’re looking for.

  1. What warranty comes with the AC and installation?

When you make an expensive purchase, you want to make sure it comes with great warranty — warranty that covers both parts and installation.

Warranty is another reason why air conditioners should always be installed by professionals, because manufacturers often will only honour warranty requests when the equipment was installed by certified technicians.

Most professional AC contractors should offer warranty on both parts and installation. ProSolutions, for example, offers comprehensive parts warranty (10 years on high-efficiency models), and ProSolutions ProPlan members also enjoy 10-year extended labour warranty as well!

  1. What additional maintenance will be needed?

Different models may have different maintenance needs, so it's important to check with your home comfort advisor or installation technician regarding the specific needs of the air conditioner model you're interested in. Regular tune-ups ensure your system will run efficiently, for as long as possible, and maintain the validity of your warranty, so this is definitely a detail to remember.

Plus, to help with maintenance needs, ProSolutions offers a ProCooling ProPlan that includes a complimentary annual Pro Tune-Up for your AC! We strive to give you peace of mind and make things as easy as possible.

A Professional AC Installation Is the Key

The questions above can help you select the perfect air conditioner for your home. However, the most important choice you’ll need to make is who you’ll trust to install your AC. Even if you ask all the wrong questions, the right company will provide you with a quality product and proper installation that is perfect for your needs.

If your unit isn’t installed properly, it may not be effective. As a result, its inefficiency may cost you more in the long term, whether it's from higher-than-necessary utility bills or preventable repairs. With such an expensive purchase, it’s best to get the job done correctly right from the very beginning.

new AC installation by professional AC install contractor

Though it may cost more to have a trained and licensed technician install your AC, it really will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

If you're interested in a free in-home estimate to either replace or upgrade your air conditioner, contact us today to get your summer cool started!

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