Air conditioning units should be installed by a contractor who is experienced with this type of work. Depending on existing ducts and the type of unit purchased, the price may vary greatly. Get several estimates from qualified contractors before deciding on the unit and installer. Ensure the contractor has experience and works well with you. Get references and check them thoroughly.
Air conditioner units use electricity to run. If the unit is used often this can increase energy costs significantly. This is especially true in warmer climates where it is a necessity to cool the home. To help combat these costs, it is advisable to look at the efficiency of the unit. This may mean a larger initial investment, but should save money in the long run.
The efficiency rating is required to be on all air conditioners. Compare units carefully to determine the cost for each type of efficiency. The more efficient a unit is, the more money you will save on energy bills. A more efficient air conditioner will take less energy to run and cool the entire house.
You will need to determine the appropriate size of the unit needed for your house. This is an important step because units that are too small will have to work harder to cool the home. Units that are too large are simply wasteful and unnecessary. A qualified air conditioner contractor will be able to analyze the size of your home and make recommendations on the size needed.
Always get a contract before starting work with any contractor. Make sure all the costs are clearly spelled out. This should include both the cost of the unit and installation. It should also detail payment policies and warranties. Warranties generally cover the compressor and additional parts. Do not choose a unit that has anything less than a five year warranty on the compressor, but a ten year warranty is better. Additional parts may be warranted anywhere from one to five years and are usually separate.
Caring For Your Air ConditionerWhen it comes to getting the most from your air conditioner
there are some things you can do that will extend its life and
keep it operating at maximum efficiency. All of these things
fall under the category of maintenance. Much of this maintenance
you can do yourself. Some will require hiring a contractor.
1) First on the list are filters. The filter in your air
conditioner is very important and should be changed every three
to six months, depending on how fast it becomes dirty.
There is nothing wrong with changing the filter too often but
not changing it often enough can cost ..
About The Author
How to Clean your Air Conditioner like a Pro February 2, 2005 Jack Frost is nipping at our nose and Santa Claus has just left. The eastern seaboard has just received their third blizzard for a total of over 125 cm (56 inches) of snow in one week. So, who in their right mind would be thinking about window air conditioners at this time of year? Call me crazy, but I am. It is a good time of year to start this project. Firstly, it keeps ones mind sharp for the coming spring. Plus, it allows you to try out those new tools you got for Christmas. Mainly though, it is a good winter project because by the time spring arrives you will be too busy t ..
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for AirConditioningZone. To learn more about air conditioners, please visit http://www.airconditioningzone.com/ and http://www.airconditioningzone.com/central/.
Gray RollinsAir Conditioner Buying Tips
