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Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit

Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Air Conditioning Unit

A new air conditioner is a big investment. As you consider your air conditioner replacement, here are some questions to ask before replacing your air conditioning unit to be sure you’re getting quality work, a qualified professional, and the right air conditioner unit for your home or business needs.

How should the new air conditioner be sized?

When considering air conditioner replacement, you don’t want to simply select the same size as your current air conditioner. It’s possible that your needs have changed, or that the original wasn’t the right size to begin with. The wrong sized air conditioner replacement unit will use excessive amounts of energy and likely won’t be able to efficiently cool your home, so this is an important step. Make sure that the house is measured properly, and that your needs are calculated based on a variety of factors, including your window types, the orientation of your house, and other factors. It’s a complicated calculation that should be based on far more than just your square footage and what’s been done in the past which definitely puts it on the list of questions to ask before replacing your air conditioning.

What are your system’s energy needs?

Air conditioners cool your home by using energy to transfer indoor heat to the outdoors, and different systems use different amounts of energy to get the job done. Considering your air conditioner replacement energy needs isn’t just a matter of saving money or the environment. It’ll also help ensure that the system runs efficiently and keeps your space comfortable even in the hottest summer months. Talk to your contractor about your system’s energy needs to ensure that you’ll be satisfied by the results.

Should you replace ducting at the same time?

One of the important questions to ask before replacing your air conditioning is should you replace ducting at the same time? Your air conditioner replacement unit is just one part of a system that’s made up of many components, so you’ll also need to consider whether or not to replace the ducting. Talk to your contractor about this, and ask about conducting a duct leakage test. The duct leakage test measures the airtightness of your ductwork, and will help determine if your ducts are dirty, damaged, need to be replaced.

Does your contractor have a California HVAC Contractor’s License?

Make sure that the contractor installing your air conditioner replacement is properly qualified and has a California HVAC Contractor’s License. To obtain this license, contractors need to sit for multiple exams, among other qualifications. If your contractor has this license, it’s a good indication that they are qualified to do the work.

What level of experience does your contractor have?

In order to obtain the license mentioned above, candidates need to have four years of experience. Even with this requirement in place, however, it's a good idea to ask about your contractor’s experience and the work they’ve done in air conditioner replacement.

What certifications are required to install the system?

Other types of certifications beyond the California HVAC Contractor’s License may also be relevant. For example, the EPA requires all HVAC technicians to have the EPA 608 certification, which allows them to handle refrigerants. The NCI (National Comfort Institute) certification are not required, but are additional indicators that your contractor is qualified for the job, and will show their level of professionalism and experience.

What type of warranty does the system have?

And last but not least of the important questions to ask before replacing your air conditioning is what warranty is offered by each contractor. Different manufacturer's parts might have different warranties. Make sure you understand not only what is covered, but also the amount of time the warranty lasts. Your contractor’s labor may also be covered under warranty, so make sure you’re aware of what type of work is covered, and for how long.

If your contractor can satisfactorily answer these questions to ask before replacing your air conditioning unit, it’s a good indication that you’re not just getting quality work, you’re also getting the right air conditioner replacement for your space. With an investment this big, that’s peace of mind worth having, especially as the summer months approach. To learn more about services our company offers, please visit our homepage.

Our Services

Air Conditioning Installation

Tired of your AC system conking out on you at the worst moments? Fortunately, we have been operating in the Los Angeles area for years and can install virtually any type of AC system in your home, office or commercial space. Selecting the proper residential and commercial air conditioning systems combined with proper HVAC installation will ensure optimum performance and efficiency.

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Heating Installation

We specialize in installation of new and replacement of existing furnaces of all major brands and models.  Let our heating specialists help you reduce your heating costs and choose the right furnace products. Our years of experience and many satisfied customers in Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley is your assurance that we can help you. All our furnace installations are covered by our warranty.  Call us today and we will provide you with a free estimate.

Air Conditioning Repair

At home or at your workplace, there's always the potential for sudden HVAC operating failure and the need for immediate HVAC repair. We'll put you back into the comfort zone ASAP. Our technicians are experienced, EPA certified, trained, background checked, drug tested, Workers' Compensation insured, uniformed, professional, and honest. They will diagnose your system and provide you with a written estimate for repairs.

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Heating Repair

Our furnace repair technicians are trained and equipped to handle a majority of required furnace repairs right on the spot. First of all, the service technician will evaluate your furnace, determine it's age, inform you if your unit is still under manufacturer's warranty and present you with a written estimate for repairs.

Air Quality

Whether you're at home or at work, your health and comfort can be affected by poor air quality. And, the air quality is affected by the air temperature, the humidity, the quality of ventilation and any contaminants or irritants like indoor pets, pollen, dust mites, cleaning products, lead, Formaldehyde and Asbestos, Poor Air Flow, mildew and mold. Poor air quality can cause more than slight discomfort - much more!

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Maintenance

As Benjamin Franklin said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Same idea applies to your central heater and air conditioner maintenance.Think of it as an oil change for your auto, which improves your car's engine performance, maximizes your gas millage and minimized down time by avoiding unnecessary repairs.

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