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What should I consider before replacing my old
central air conditioner or heat pump.
Was the original unit large enough to do the job?
If your old unit was never up to the job now might be the
time to consider putting in a larger piece of equipment. Ask the installer to do
a heat load on your home or business to determine what size you actually need.
Don't go too big and don't go too small like Goldilocks and her porridge.
We want
to be JUST RIGHT.
Is the location of the equipment a good place?
When installing new equipment any changes in location or
design should be done at this time. Is that old air handler in the attic and
leaking into your ceilings? This might be a good time to have it installed
vertically in the garage or interior closet.
Will I be in this home or business for long term?
Often our plans are for 5 years or less. This can
influence what type of equipment that we recommend. With a short term stay you
certainly won't see much return on a high efficiency system. If you plan on
staying in the present space for only a short term, then high efficiency may be a
waste of money.
Do I want a heat pump or straight cool?
Heat pumps provide even heat with out drying out the air
but some complain they don't get hot enough fast enough! Straight cooling with
electric heat gives plenty of heat but why are the electric bills so high in the
winter? Electric strip heaters use 3-times as much electricity as a heat
pump compressor. If your home is located in areas outside of Florida you
probably want a heat pump. In Florida you may want to consider spending
your money on the highest seer straight cool system to provide savings
throughout our long cooling system. Straight cool systems tend to be more
reliable and cheaper to repair because they are simpler. If money is no
object-buy a high efficiency heat pump 12-seer or better.
Should I buy because it has a good warranty?
With many of the "cheaper" brands you will be offered an
all parts 5 year warranty, that's good because you will need it. The warranty is
important yes but using it means that the equipment has had a failure. Ask the
contractor that sells those brands if the time to warranty the part is covered.
It isn't. American Standard equipment is tough it just doesn't break down like
those cheaper brands do. But should your American Standard equipment have a
failure your covered by one of the best warranties in
the industry.
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Lic#
CAC057956