Three Things To Prepare For When Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Replacing your air conditioner is a big purchase and process, and there's a lot to keep track of before you even begin. Making sure you get a quality job done involves more than choosing a new air conditioner and getting it installed, so here are three important things to look out for during the process.

Replacing the Unit Itself

Installing a brand-new air conditioner can be expensive by itself, but expect replacing your old air conditioner to be a little more pricey. This is because, on top of the basic installation, you also need to factor in the removal and disposal of the old unit. If you're handy and know your way around an air conditioner, you might be able to take some preemptive steps, but outdoor units are usually so bulky that it's best to spend the money on having professionals remove it instead.

That said, costs may vary depending on who you hire; some may offer specials with removal built into the cost of installation or offer better pricing overall, so this is a good time to get multiple quotes and see what you can get. If you can afford to wait, many HVAC services are less expensive during off-seasons when demand for service is lower, so consider that as well.

Checking the Ductwork

If you're replacing a very old air conditioner, you'll gain some benefits in energy efficiency since technology has improved significantly over time. However, you won't get the full rewards of this efficiency unless you're making sure that your ducts are still properly sealed and that they aren't leaking. If your ducts are leaking, you'll be paying a noticeably higher energy bill every month, even with the new air conditioner.

You may be able to get your ducts inspected during the installation, but any detailed work will likely be an add-on to the service you're already getting. The downside is that this is another cost to you up front, but the upside is that you'll get a bonus with even more savings every month for that single up-front cost. So while you're replacing your air conditioner, don't forget to have the rest of your system checked out as well.

Verifying the Size of the Unit

Air conditioners aren't a one-size-fits-all type of setup. Different "sizes" of air conditioners are made for how much space they have to cool, which is usually calculated by the square footage of your home. Having an air conditioner designed for larger homes will mean it will cycle on and off quickly, and having one designed for smaller homes will cause it to run constantly as it struggles to cool a larger home. Both of these can cause the air conditioner to wear down faster over time and require more maintenance.

If you have a professional installing your new air conditioner, it isn't necessarily a guarantee that they'll double-check this for you, especially if the installer isn't the same company as the seller of the air conditioner. So before you make the big purchase or start the installation, make sure you have the right air conditioner for your home. You can use an online calculator to help you figure it out.

For more information on air conditioner replacement, contact an HVAC contractor.

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