Here in Houston and the surrounding areas, summer temperatures can be brutal. You wouldn’t want to get caught without an HVAC system. If you are in need of a new air conditioning installation, here are a few tips to make sure you get the best value for your money.
1. Get the Right Size
The first thing you need to do is determine what size of heating and cooling system you need. While it’s not impossible to figure this out yourself using a formula, it’s best to leave this to the professionals. It’s important that you get the right size for several reasons. First, you don’t want to spend more on an air conditioning installation than you need to. Secondly, an over or undersized unit can wear down faster. An undersized unit will work too hard and an oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, causing premature breakdown.
2. Choose an Energy Efficient Model
If you want to save money on your heating and cooling costs, opt for a more energy efficient HVAC system. There are several factors that contribute to a unit’s energy efficiency. For example, variable speed compressors allow a unit to use more or less energy depending on the heating or cooling load in the home. This translates to lower energy use overall.
Look for a unit’s SEER rating to determine its energy efficiency. The rating is determined by taking the cooling output of the device and dividing it by the energy input. The higher the number, the more energy efficient the unit is.
3. Choosing a Contractor
Choosing a contractor for the job is the most important thing for any HVAC work. It’s the difference between having problems throughout the life of your unit and having a functioning HVAC system that’s properly installed and maintained. The best approach is to get quotes from multiple companies. This will allow you to get a feel for your options in terms of cost and quality. It never hurts to do a little research online. Read the contractors’ reviews to see the experiences of past customers.
4. Take Care of Your System
After the contractor has completed the installation, be sure to take care of your system. Small things can go a long way in ensuring your system lasts as long as it should. For example, changing out your air filters every 2 or 3 months can extend the life of your system. Dirty filters cause your system to work harder than necessary.
One of the best ways to ensure your system is taken care of is through a maintenance plan. Most heating and cooling companies offer a plan that provides periodic maintenance visits. These programs are effective money-savers as they often stop small problems from becoming major repair headaches.
When it comes to air conditioning installation, it pays to be as knowledgeable as possible. Follow the above four tips, and you will be well on your way to getting the most out of your new system.
Need a HVAC company in the Houston area? Give us a call at Airteam for affordable and quality HVAC services!
