Stay cool and don't sweat the hydro bill... Thinking about adding or replacing your Central Air Conditioner? Here is the perfect Cheat Sheet and top ten tips for success.
If you lived through Niagara's sweltering summer of 2018, you know, Air Conditioning has becoming a necessity. Now you're wondering what is the best, most efficient way to cool your home or workplace. There are many options for cooling including the standard window air conditioner, central air, mini splits & ductless units.
If you have an existing furnace and duct work, the most effective option is Central Air. An evaporator Coil is installed inside the existing duct work and a Condenser sits outside the home. This system draws heat from inside, removing the heat and moisture, and replacing it with comfortable, cool air.
If your home or office does not have existing furnace/duct work (rads, electric baseboard heating or other heat source), there are still options for efficient cooling. A site visit is required to review the existing equipment and propose the most effective cooling solution.
Homeowner A/C Cheat Sheet
Get the best deal on your Air Conditioner (and surprise the salesperson!) by following these steps:
- Get two or three quotes from local, reputable companies.
- Company or Contractor should employ a minimum of four employees (sole proprietor operations, open & close regularly, cannot always maintain the Warranty or be available when you need them).
- In business for a minimum of 10 years (to ensure your warranty, long-term service and reliability in future)
- Check that the Brand of equipment is built in Canada or USA (to ensure quality and timely parts availability).
- Confirm contractor has sufficient insurance (1M+) and is WSIB compliant (to ensure you are not liable for any issue that may occur on your property during installation or service)
- Ask if the Installer has more than five years experience AND is an Employee, not a sub-contractor. (to ensure installer is knowledgeable in setting-up the system, can be located in case of an issue, and can deliver a high quality installation).
- What other fees are expected? Is there a "Maintenance Contract" in the fine print? (Low advertised prices often have hidden fees or contracts).
- Does the Contractor have technicians available after hours? (in case of an overnight or holiday breakdown).
- Rate the professionalism of the Salesperson/Estimator/Quote presented.