AC installations and replacements start way before a professional arrives at the house. The first step is to understand your needs and start to research what unit might be right for you. Doing that will give you an idea of what to consider and ask about during the installation or replacement process.
A professional HVAC contractor with AC installation expertise in St. Paul will also ask you a series of questions about your home, cooling habits, and budget so they can make the best recommendation. They’ll also take a look at your ductwork to be sure it can handle the new load. Once a plan is in place, you’ll get an estimate for the total cost of installation or replacement.
Factors To Consider For AC Installation
- Installation Location: Although you’ll get guidance from the technician, it’s important to consider this on your own. After all, nobody knows the house better than you. It’s best to keep the AC in shady areas as bright sunny spots could overheat the system and cost you more repairs in the long run. Also, look for areas that you know you can keep clean easily. A clean place will give the AC more efficiency. Thinking about this before installation day will provide you and the technician with a better idea of installation location with both side’s input. For residents looking for AC installation in St. Paul, use iHeart Amana’s Brand “Find Local Dealer” tool.
- Size: AC isn’t one size fits all. It needs to be the perfect fit for your home. If you are doing an air conditioning installation in St. Paul, a professional will help you choose the correct size. Knowing the square footage of your home will put you in the right direction for an AC unit. If the AC is too small, it will run non-stop, consuming higher energy. If the AC is too large for your home, it won’t be able to dehumidify effectively. That is because the system will cool the house too quickly.
- Ductwork Efficiency: Consider the state of your ductwork before installing the AC. Old ducts can leak up to 20% of cool air. So if you have older ducts, have a technician come out to take a look. They can adequately seal the joints so that cool air stays in your house. Once this is resolved, a technician can move onto the new AC installation.
- Quality AC System: Cost is always a factor in buying an AC unit, but the quality is something you should never compromise. More expensive systems are usually higher quality. The trade-off could be worth it considering that a better quality system can have a better lifespan, and the maintenance could also be less in the long run. Looking at the unit’s specifications can help determine a quality unit for your home.
- Energy Consumption: An energy-efficient system will decrease your energy bills. That’s why it’s important to check the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio) rating when you’re looking at a new unit. The SEER rating will range from 13 to 21, and the higher the rating, the better efficiency of the system. It is also suitable for the environment, which is a major plus. These systems are less damaging to the environment because they are fueled with safer, cleaner refrigerant.
- Add-Ons Features: It is possible to get added features with your new AC. Thinking about what the system offers and what you want or need is good because you won’t miss out. You can get air purifiers, smart thermostats, dehumidifiers, UV lamps, and more.
Considering these factors before the AC installation will give you a smooth AC installation day.
Maybe you already have an AC, and your cool air in the house just stopped out of the blue, or you notice that you constantly need repairs. The thought of AC replacement comes to mind. Knowing the warning signs of when to replace your system rather than repair it is vital because if you don’t, it could cost you more in the long run. Here are some things to consider if you’re looking for an AC replacement in St. Paul.
What To Consider For AC Replacement
- Warranty: Surprisingly, people overlook the air conditioning warranties. Make sure to check the warranty because it may cover the problem. Amana offers different warranties based on the model that you get. If you have an Amana product, you can look up the warranty on their website underneath warranty look-up.
- New Technology: Since getting your current AC, there might have been new technology that’s been created and implemented. Maybe you have an old thermostat, and you want a new programmable thermostat. With this new technology, you can set lower temperatures when you’re not in the house and at bed time. It’s also a great way to have comfort and save on energy bills. It may be worth researching what the newer HVAC systems have to offer.
- SEER Rating: You want to consider this because it will help the cooling system’s efficiency. The greater the SEER, the better efficiency it has. It might be worth upgrading to a different model if the SEER rating is better.
- Repairs: Ask yourself if you have to deal with repairs a lot. If the answer is yes, it may be time to replace the AC. It is normal to have some repairs but too many, and too many of the same problems again and again, is a sign that something is wrong. Some things are more expensive to repair. For instance, a bad capacitor could lead to compressor failure, costing thousands of dollars. Compare the cost of repair and replacement to figure out the best options. If you are looking for repair services or an air conditioning replacement in St. Paul, there are amazing local professionals to help.
Whatever the cause, it is important to know what you need and want. Researching and asking the right questions will make you an active participant in the AC installation or replacement process. To find a local professional in your area, check out iHeart Amana’s “Find Local Dealer” tool, which connects you to the best professionals.
