Air Conditioning System Estimates - Keeping Cool Despite The Heat

Air Conditioning System Estimates: how to find experienced contractors, green cooling system incentives, and what to ask contractors

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Know What To Expect From Air Conditioning System Estimates

When summer rolls around, the need for an air conditioning system will be at the top of many homeowners’ lists, and knowing what to expect when scouting for air conditioning system estimates will be the smartest step to take to keep the costs low when the heat is high. Seeking multiple estimates is one of the most important parts of this process, and finding the price ranges of both large home improvement companies and small independent contractors will aid in the search for low AC quotes.

What’s Right For Your Home: Choosing the Right Air Conditioning System

It’s important for homeowners to know what they are looking for when seeking air conditioning system estimates. There are several types of air conditioning systems, and picking the right one for your home and your climate is going to be one of the best ways to keep costs down in the long run. Some of these options may be fit for your home:

  • Central air conditioning installation prices start at $2,000, and go up depending on efficiency ratings and the size of the house.
  • Room air conditioning units are substantially less expensive than central air, but are much less efficient, as they are only intended to heat one or two rooms, at best
  • Chilled water units are effective for large buildings, as they send cold water through pipes throughout the building. This option is fit for commercial buildings, and may not be the best choice for owners of small homes.
  • Alternative cooling such as solar air conditioning is also an option.
  • Check the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating), as a SEER of 16 or higher can qualify you for a tax credit.

Finding A Contractor and Knowing What to Ask

Finding the right contractor and knowing what to ask about air conditioning system estimates is the most important part of finding a new home cooling system. Online screening services can help homeowners pick the right contractor for their homes by filtering a vast network of local professional companies. Fill in a few specifics about your home cooling needs, and contractors from a local, screened network will come to you with initial air conditioning estimates. When contractors contact you about your air conditioning estimates, it’s important to remember these questions:

  • Is the contractor properly certified? A licensed air conditioning contractor will be more than happy to show you his certification.
  • Is the contractor a member of notable organizations, like the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioner Contractors of America)?
  • Check for references. An experienced air conditioning contractor should have at least 2-3 years of satisfied customers.
  • Ask about what kind of warranties he offers on workmanship and manufacturer’s materials.
  • Consider the contractor’s current workload. Too many jobs for one contractor could mean your project becoming a lower priority.

A professional, certified contractor that can confidently answer these questions should be able to reliably complete your project, and possibly help you find further incentives for upgrading your cooling system – yet another way to keep costs down when the heat is going up.

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Air Conditioning System Estimates