5 AC Installation Tips Every Homeowner Must Know

Installing a new AC system in your Utah home can be an enjoyable experience if you take the time to learn a little about the process.

Jumping into any high-end purchase without first vetting the contractor and carefully considering the best product options for your home can turn into a disaster.

Just Right Heating & Cooling suggests you get three quotes before deciding on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. We are confident you will choose Just Right for the job if you include our bid among your project estimates.

5 AC Installation Tips for Your Salt Lake City Home

Choosing the best HVAC team with the best air conditioning equipment for your Utah home is about more than just cost. Here are five tips to consider when you are ready to install a new air conditioning system:

• Choose a Reputable Contractor
  Check the company’s website to learn about its mission and values. Read online customer reviews and ask friends and neighbors for their experiences working with the contractor you are considering.
  
  Be sure the company is licensed, bonded, and insured. You should receive a job estimate in person, not by phone. The expert should tell you which brands the company offers, if it handles all permits, and about payment terms.
  
  Ask about size, efficiency, and equipment features. Be sure it is what you want and need. Find out when the work will start and how long it will take. If the company needs to alter other equipment, such as ductwork, it should include the work in its estimate.

• Efficiency Rating
  All air conditioners receive an energy efficiency rating called Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating 2 (SEER2).  The higher the number, the more efficient the unit. An energy-efficient air conditioning system uses less electricity than a standard air conditioner. That means you will save money on monthly utility bills.
  
  According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), by replacing your 10-year-old AC system with a new, more efficient unit, you may save 20 to 40 percent on cooling costs.

• Credits and Rebates
  Consider buying a model that qualifies for a tax break. The federal government allows a 30 percent tax credit for eligible high-efficiency air conditioners, up to a maximum of $600. The credit is available through 2032.
  
  Split systems, which consist of a compressor unit stationed outdoors and an air handler indoors, must have a SEER2 of 16 or more to qualify. Packaged systems with ENERGY STAR^® certification are eligible.
  
  Some manufacturers and local utility companies may offer rebates on high-efficiency models.

• Warranties
  Everyone loves spending less on a big-ticket item, be it a car, a roof, or new central air conditioning, but price should not be your only consideration. A good warranty can save money in the long run.
  
  Know the specifics of the manufacturer warranty, including parts and labor coverage. Warranties may vary depending on the unit.
  
  At Just Right Heating & Cooling, we proudly recommend Daikin and Goodman products. Goodman offers a lifetime compressor limited warranty, 10-year parts limited warranty, and a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty.  Daikin’s replacement warranty is six or 12 years, depending on the AC model you buy.
  
  In addition to the manufacturer warranty, we offer a money-back guarantee within a year of installation. You can ask us to remove the equipment and refund your money if you are unhappy with our work or the product. 

• Maintenance
  Preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring your equipment continues to operate at peak efficiency with a valid warranty.
  
  Schedule a tune-up for your new air conditioning system every spring before the cooling season begins. Our qualified technicians can identify minor issues and fix them before they become significant problems that cause a breakdown.

At Just Right Heating & Cooling, we stand behind our maintenance work with a No Breakdown Guarantee. If anything breaks within six months of your AC system maintenance, we will cover the repair up to what you paid for the tune-up.

If you are looking for stress-free maintenance, we recommend our VIP Program. The plan includes a 25-point tune-up for your AC and furnace, a system report card on efficiency and safety, tune-up, filter change reminders, repair discounts, and more.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Reach out to our expert team at HOME and find out how a new air conditioner can benefit your home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Call us at 801-302-1154 or request service online.