Buying a new furnace or air conditioner is full of potential pitfalls. With so many decisions to make, it’s easy to neglect important considerations and rush into the first enticing deal that comes your way. However, taking your time and doing your research will help you to avoid these common and potentially costly mistakes when replacing your AC or furnace:
Buying the Wrong Size
Many people buy the wrong size equipment when replacing their heating or air conditioning units, according to the Department of Energy. Improperly sized equipment is more likely to break down and to allow mold to develop in the duct work. Systems with the wrong size equipment will also be very inefficient, struggling to keep your home at the right temperature while costing you a fortune in energy bills. To avoid this mistake, work with an expert contractor to get a correct estimate on the equipment size that your home requires.
Getting a Single Estimate
When shopping for a new AC or furnace, don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Compare equipment, installation and permit costs with other systems and contractors to make sure that you are getting the best all-around deal for your needs. The first estimate may end up being the best, but you won’t know until you shop around.
Choosing the Cheapest Option
However, shopping around for the best deal doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the very cheapest option. These “deals” are often anything but, and may end up costing you money over time. Cheap contractors can afford to make too-good-to-be-true offers by hiring inexperienced technicians and by using inexpensive and low-quality parts. This frequently results in improper installations and equipment that will wear down quickly and force you to replace your AC or furnace again.
Dismissing Seer Ratings
If you want to save on heating and cooling costs, take SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) ratings seriously. ACs and furnaces with the highest SEER ratings will cost more, but your monthly energy bills will be lower. The extra money you spend for a more efficient system should be recouped over time, and you will also reduce your environmental impact.
Neglecting Maintenance Contracts
If you want your AC or furnace to function well and last for a long time, regular maintenance is critical. Don’t neglect to consider maintenance options when you purchase your new system, particularly regular maintenance contracts. These contracts include regular inspections and maintenance for no additional charge, and help you to catch small problems, such as dirt build-up, before they become major ones like broken parts. Without regular maintenance, your system won’t last as long or run as efficiently.
At Hader Solutions, we can help you to make smart and informed choices regarding your new furnace or AC system. Follow our blog for more about the world of heating and cooling.
