Top 10 central air conditioning installation services in Portland, ME
Frequently asked questions about air conditioning installation companies
In order to keep your home comfortable all year long, it pays to find a reliable air conditioning contractor. Do your research up front in order to get the best HVAC pro to handle your air conditioning installation or repair. Any potential air conditioning pro should provide references for recent and previous work. Pros who haven’t done any recent jobs may not have access to the latest technology and systems. Contractors should provide proof of liability insurance to protect your property, as well as workmen’s compensation insurance. Find out what certifications and licenses are required in your state and get proof that your contractor has them.
If your potential AC contractor checks out, have them come to your home to do a comprehensive on-site evaluation. Bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to AC systems. The contractor should recommend installing an AC system that suits the amount of space will service. Expect a detailed written estimate up front. Discuss payment terms, and know how much you’re paying for labor and materials. If you do your homework, you should enjoy a stress-free air conditioning installation, maintenance, or repair.
It may be tempting to try to install an air conditioner on your own. However, AC systems are highly complex. Without proper HVAC training, it would be easy to make a technical error that could be costly down the road. Tiny issues like tight seals and wire placement can make a huge difference if improperly handled, so hiring a properly licensed and insured air conditioning contractor gives you peace of mind. A qualified contractor will be able to offer suggestions about which types and sizes of AC units will be best for your home and needs. They’ll do a detailed on-site inspection to determine which AC system will keep your home comfortable all year round.
Once a pro has successfully installed your new air conditioner, they may offer ongoing maintenance and support. An AC expert can also offer maintenance tips to keep your system humming along smoothly. Even better, should you notice that your unit isn’t operating at its best, your AC pro can make a house call to perform a repair. It’s wise to hire a licensed and insured professional to bring expertise and the right tools for a safe and effective air conditioner installation.
If an air conditioner seems to be running smoothly, it may be tempting to take it for granted, thinking it doesn’t need regular maintenance. In fact, air conditioning experts recommend that homeowners have their AC systems serviced at least once a year. This will ensure maximum efficiency for the warmer months. Air conditioning units build up dirt and dust in places such as the air filters and condensing coils. This build up can reduce the AC unit’s efficiency.
These yearly maintenance visits will carry a fee, but it’s well worth the charge to keep your AC unit operating at its best. As part of a yearly AC service visit, your contractor will check things like the motor, blower, drain line, and connections. Along with the yearly maintenance visit, an air conditioning contractor may make recommendations for a less involved maintenance routine throughout the year. For example, they may recommend that you replace the AC air filter every 30 days. Regardless, regular servicing will keep your AC unit running at its best and help prevent the need for costly repairs in the future.
Homeowners often wonder whether they should have their AC unit repaired, or if it makes more sense to replace the air conditioning system altogether. Whether to repair or replace an air conditioner depends on a number of factors — and a licensed and trained HVAC technician may offer advice on this issue. Start by gathering some facts and determine your air conditioner’s age first. Generally, if a unit is over 10 years old, it’s time for a replacement. This is because older AC units tend to run less efficiently, often having a lower Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) than newer models. A handy equation to keep in mind is that if the age of the unit multiplied by the cost of a potential repair is over $5000, it’s best to install a replacement.
Frequent repairs are a sign an AC unit is ready to be replaced. If your unit isn’t cooling your home efficiently causing your energy bills to soar, consider replacing the air conditioner. Newer units offer updated technology and features along with higher energy efficiency and may be worth the investment. Be sure to consult a qualified professional to discuss your air conditioner needs.
The cost to replace and install an air conditioner varies according to a number of factors. A qualified air conditioning contractor can come to your home for an on-site inspection, and they should be able to recommend the best AC system for your needs. The cost of the replacement air conditioner will vary according to the square footage it needs to cool, and the size of the air conditioner will make a difference in its price. If you do your research, you’ll learn that various brands of air conditioners offer different prices and deals depending on the season. The unit’s energy efficiency rating will also impact its cost. More efficient systems carry higher price tags, but they’ll likely save you money in the long run.
Along with the price of the replacement air conditioner, you’ll need to factor in the cost of labor. Labor and transportation fees will vary depending on where you live, along with the availability and demand for qualified AC pros in your area. Furthermore, pros my charge more for the services of HVAC technicians with higher levels of expertise and experience. Do your research to get the best air conditioner at a cost that works for you now, as well as in the long run. Cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings in the future. Consult the free Porch project cost guides to get an idea about how much an air conditioner installation should cost in your area.
Even the best air conditioning units won’t last forever. Generally, if an AC unit is well-maintained and regularly serviced, it should keep working for about 10 years. If 10 years have passed since you had your air conditioner installed, it may start to show signs of failure. For example, it might be working less efficiently, which will cause energy bills to rise. If you notice that your home is accumulating more dust than usual, it’s also wise to take a look at the age of the air conditioner. Keep in mind that an AC unit that fails to keep a home cool enough or is in need of constant repair may be ready for replacement even before it’s 10 years old.
Call in an HVAC expert to help determine whether it’s time to replace your air conditioning unit. They’ll let you know whether your system could benefit from a simple repair, or whether it’s clearly time for a system replacement. Newer air conditioning units tend to be more highly efficient than older ones. Newer systems offer helpful technical advancements, as well. Although it may be daunting to look at the cost of replacing an air conditioner, the investment may pay off over time. Consult an AC pro near you to help you make the decision.
