Pre-AC Installation Questions You Should Ask Your Contractor

If you are buying a new air conditioner, the consultation between you and the AC installation technician should be a give and take. You and the contractor should bring AC installation questions to the table to understand each other and lay the groundwork for the AC installation project.

The technician should understand what you need from the new AC, and you should understand what the technician plans to do and why their plan is the right course of action. You deserve to have confidence that the technician can handle the job.

If you schedule a consultation for HVAC services by Inland Empire Comfort in Riverside, we want you to have all the information you need. If you’re considering a different contractor, we hope they hold themselves to the same high standards we do.

Before you sign a contract and submit a down payment on air conditioner installation, keep the following AC installation questions in mind. If the contractor seems unwilling to answer these questions or if you are not happy with the answers, keep looking until you find one you can count on.

Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

Anybody can claim to be an experienced AC technician or contractor, but the answer to the question above will tell you how seriously the contractor takes their business. A licensed contractor has met the standards set by their home state. The contractor should be able to provide you with a license number and tell you what work they are legally licensed to do. 

A responsible contractor will also have a surety bond or a liability insurance policy to cover the cost of any damage or accidents on the job site.

How Do I Know This Is the Right Air Conditioner for Me?

During your consultation with the contractor or technician, they should know the square footage of your home or other property and the temperature you will most likely keep the property at. They need to recommend air conditioners based on your needs.

Contractors should not just try to sell you on one particular air conditioner model or sell you a unit too large for your needs. They should present you with multiple options and clearly describe the benefits and limitations of each option. 

How Long Will Installation Take?

Make sure that you aren’t stuck without air conditioning for a long time by asking the contractor for a timetable or schedule for the job. It should take a single day to install central air conditioners by themselves and two or three workdays or more to install HVAC systems, including the furnace, air conditioning, and ductwork.

Discuss your contractor’s policy regarding extensions and delays. Don’t sign an agreement with a contractor unless you have confidence that they will finish the job in a reasonable time.

How Long Is the Warranty for Parts and Installation?

A good AC unit should last for 10 or 15 years. The AC parts, including indoor and outdoor units, should have at least a five-year warranty. Ask if there is a warranty for labor if there is a problem with the installation. 

Contractors should also have a satisfaction guarantee, so you don’t have to worry about the contractor sticking you with an AC unit that doesn’t accomplish what you want. Don’t just take the contractor’s word for it. Check reviews online for evidence that the contractor followed through on their promises and tried to fix problems when they came to light.

How Will this Air Conditioner Affect My Energy Bills?

One advantage of upgrading to a newer air conditioner is the opportunity to save money on your electric bill by increasing energy efficiency. Ask about the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of the different models. The technician should be able to estimate how much you will save by installing an energy-efficient model.

How Can I Extend the Life of My Air Conditioning System?

After investing thousands of dollars into an AC upgrade, make sure you understand how to use your air conditioner and keep it running for over a decade. Ask about regular maintenance requirements and tips on taking care of indoor units, keeping ductwork clean, and protecting outdoor units from the elements. 

To make a more informed decision, research different brands of air conditioners and pick models that interest you. Ask the contractor if they are familiar with the brands you’ve found. Your questions will prompt a discussion and give you a sense of how knowledgeable the contractor is. 

How Much Experience Do You Have with Air Conditioning Installation?

A contractor could have a license and a good reputation for home renovation work in general but have relatively little experience with AC installation. Ask the contractor if air conditioning installation is a substantial part of their business and how long they have been installing air conditioners.

Just because you hired a contractor for one part of your home renovation does not mean that they must handle every aspect of your renovation. It’s all right to call an AC specialist to install the AC while a general contractor does the other work.

Do You Have Experience with Alternatives to Central Air Conditioning?

If you are considering a heat pump or geothermal cooling for your home, ask the contractor if they have installed these types of systems and whether they believe an alternative cooling system would be a good fit for your home. If you already have central air conditioning, some contractors might assume you want a simple replacement without considering the alternatives.

We Answer All Your Questions at Inland Empire Comfort

When we install an air conditioning system at Inland Empire Comfort, customer satisfaction is vital. We make sure that our customers make informed decisions about their air conditioning. Learn more about air conditioner installation on our website if you think of more  AC installation questions besides the ones in this article. When you’re ready, call (951) 336-1892. We look forward to talking with you.