Practices to Avoid During an HVAC Replacement

Your air conditioning system is crucial for your indoor air quality and overall comfort. If you fail to call a heating and air conditioning maintenance company for an inspection and maintenance regularly, your unit will lose efficiency more quickly than expected. This can cause abrupt sudden shutdowns, and eventually, costly repairs. However, when things get worse, home and business owners may resort to getting a replacement if the unit’s been neglected.

It’s worth noting that these systems typically only last for one or two decades. This is proof that resorting to a replacement after a certain amount of time is a wise decision. To make things even clearer, here are some factors you must take into account when deciding on a replacement:

• The age of your unit. If your unit is more than 10 years old and has shown significant signs of breaking down, it may be time to get a new unit.

• Problems are extensive. Should your system frequently encounter problems that involve the compressor, condenser coils or blower motor, a replacement may be more ideal than an HVAC repair.

• Uneven temperatures. Poor airflow through your vents may be the result of a blower motor that’s failing, while hot and cold spots in the house could indicate a problem with your ductwork.

• It’s been repaired multiple times. If your unit has had at least three major repairs in recent years, experts will tell you that it’s more cost-effective to have it replaced than to continue repairing it.

Purchasing a new unit is a huge investment, and there are certain things you need to consider before having one installed. To help make certain you’re making the right choice, here are some of the most common mistakes that you need to avoid when having a new system installed, shared by HVAC installation companies:

1. Choosing the wrong unit size. Remember that choosing a large unit for your home doesn’t necessarily mean that it will perform well. Bigger is not always better when it comes to HVAC units. If the equipment is too large for your space, you’ll end up paying more for energy costs. Meanwhile, if you get one that’s too small, it will be required to work longer and harder than it should. This will result in a shorter lifespan and reduced efficiency.

2. Choosing a system based solely on price. Most heating and air conditioning maintenance companies remind homeowners that quality should be the utmost priority when choosing an HVAC system—like any other home equipment. Consider the operating costs and its energy efficient features before making the actual purchase. After all, investing in an energy-efficient unit will provide you more savings in the long run.

3. Not working with a reliable installer. One of the most important tips one must not forget is making sure to obtain at least three estimates before hiring a company or technician for your HVAC repair or replacement. This practice enables you to find and hire the most qualified contractor for your project. You’re urged to collaborate with professionals with proper licensing, insurance and bonding. Despite getting a high-quality unit, it can still perform poorly or fail early when not installed correctly. Pro-tip: call a local contractor.

4. Not looking at both your air conditioning and heating system. Many HVAC systems aren’t actually combined as one. Oftentimes, they consist of a separate AC unit and a heating system, such as a furnace, boiler or heat pump. However, chances are both were installed around the same time. Keep in mind that if you replace one, the other is very likely to be due for a replacement as well. By doing this, you’ll be able to save on system installation costs, unlike if you were to replace them separately.

5. Overlooking your home’s indoor air quality. Keep in mind that your indoor air can actually be worse than the air outside your home. Make certain when installing a new HVAC system that you choose a unit that won’t have a negative impact on your home’s air quality. You’re also urged to learn about proper maintenance so that you can effectively keep pollutants and allergens out of your home.

Moreover, to guarantee you’re getting the unit that best suits your needs at home, these are the practices you should follow when shopping for it:

• Find rebates and deals on HVAC units. There are HVAC installation companies that offer rebates and incentives upon replacing a used or old system, and there are certain high-efficiency products that are eligible for an eco-rebate. These are sponsored by your local energy company and are typically used as an incentive for consumers to use less energy per establishment by purchasing more energy-efficient appliances. Plus, contractors often offer promotions throughout the year to help people save on new system installation, repair costs and other heating and cooling products and services.

• Purchase an energy-efficient air conditioner. As expected, purchasing a more energy-efficient air conditioning unit will have the biggest impact on your costs over time. Remember that if your current system is ten years old or older, you’ll definitely be able to save significantly more if you upgrade your air conditioner.

• Shop around for the best contractor. This is already the easiest way to save a lot when upgrading a unit. Home and business owners are always urged to look for better deals despite getting a quote. Moreover, by getting a quality installation from a reliable contractor, you can avoid further issues that may require you to pay for repairs. And when you choose a contractor from your community, it will be much easier for them to visit your place due to their proximity, and you can be assured that they’ll charge you fairly for both labor and equipment.

If you have an emergency or need help from one of the most reliable heating and air conditioning maintenance companies in town, the pros at Cafco Services have got you covered. We provide emergency services 24/7, guaranteeing that you’ll get the HVAC, refrigeration and hot side help you need — whenever you need it. Call us at (513) 653-7446 or contact us here.