Weather Have You
Thinking About Air Conditioning?
If
you are planning to have a central cooling system installed or wish to have
your system serviced, your first job will be to find a competent air
conditioning contractor. The Better Business Bureau offers these tips.
How
to Find an Air Conditioning Contractor:
- Ask friends and neighbors that have
had a contractor perform a good job and provided reliable service
- Check the Better Business Bureau reliability reports on the
names you have
Evaluating
Bids from Air Conditioning Contractors:
- Get three written cost estimates that
describe the system to be installed
- In preparing the cost estimate the contractor
will calculate the cooling capacity your home needs and estimate the size
of the system. You should also check with your electric company to be sure
your wiring is adequate. If not, your expense will also include the cost
of extra wiring
- Look at the size (noted by Btu's) of
the equipment the contractor will install. If size varies significantly,
you should ask each contractor to again calculate the cooling capacity you
need
- Review each bid to see what type of
warranty they provide. Many contractors will provide a one-year warranty
on work. Manufacturers usually provide air conditioning equipment with a
warranty for one-year, with a four-year extension on the compressor. Some
contractors offer at least one free call back after installation to check
your system
- Remember to calculate significant
increased electric bills in your cost estimates
Service
and Maintenance
- Once a year a contractor should be
called to inspect and maintain your air conditioning unit. He will check
to be sure all aspects of the unit are working properly
- Many contractors offer service
contracts under which they will routinely inspect and service your cooling
equipment once a year, and provide emergency repair service if needed and
when needed
- If you sign a service contract be sure that it spells out what parts and services are
provided. You should compare coverage under contracts offered by several
different companies
Tips
to Remember
- Keep windows and doors closed when
your cooling system is on
- Replace or clean the air filter as
needed, generally every thirty days during heavy cooling periods
- Have your unit serviced annually
This information is
general in nature and is not intended as a reliability report on any company,
product, or service.