If your AC or heating unit is underperforming or causing larger problems to your home like mold or water damage, it could be time to purchase a new unit. Buying a new HVAC system for installation is an important decision and should be carefully managed and thought through. There are a number of HVAC installation companies out there, so how do you choose the right one for the job?

Here are nine questions you should ask before hiring an Arizona cooling and heating professional to perform your residential HVAC unit installation.

Do You Offer Free, No Obligation Estimates?

Some Phoenix area HVAC companies provide free, no-obligation quotes while others charge a fee to come out. To avoid any surprises, be sure to ask potential contractors upfront what their policy is. Ideally, you will want to look for a cooling and heating company that will come to your home and provide a free estimate that includes a breakdown of the costs of parts and labor. You should also receive important information on the energy efficiency and warranty information for the units you are considering.

What Size System Do I Need for My Home?

First and foremost, it is important to know what size system is needed for your home. There have been noted cases of technicians and HVAC salespeople earning higher commissions by selling customers on oversized AC or furnace units that are too big for the house. Ideally, you will want to work with a non-commissioned HVAC technician so you know that they are under no pressure to upsell you on something you don’t need.

Click here for general guidelines to consider when determining the appropriate unit size for your home. Before recommending a specific unit, your HVAC contractor should consider several important variables to determine the ideal-sized unit for you. These factors can include your total square footage, ceiling height, insulation, ductwork, windows, presence of natural shade, number of people in the home, and other relevant details.

What Is Your Installation Process?

Before the installation begins, it is a good idea to ask what the heater or AC installation process is going to look like. You want to make sure that you understand the process and everything is done thoroughly. Most contractors are going to dismantle the old AC unit and take it away themselves, but that is something that you want to make sure of before the installation begins. Becoming familiar with the residential HVAC unit installation will help you avoid headaches in the future.

Do You Offer Any Rebates or Tax Credits or Discounts?

For details on available tax credits, you can review this article from Energy Star: Federal Income Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency. Periodically, manufacturers will offer rebates on new HVAC systems. Ask about any available rebates when contacting an HVAC installer. At Scottsdale Air, we post most manufacturer rebate offers on our website so customers can easily see them. There is also information on SRP’s Cool Cash Rebate of up to $1,125 and APS rebates up to $200 for customers replacing their AC units.

Do You Offer Financing?

Replacing an HVAC unit is expensive, and many homeowners put up with the discomfort of a poorly performing unit because of the expense of replacing it. Financing can help ease the financial burden, so be sure to ask whether or not the company you want to work with offers financing options.

Is Your Company Bonded and Insured?

The Tempe Arizona HVAC install technicians entrusted with the task of installing an AC unit at your home will be undergoing a very complex job that needs years of training and skill. If something was to go wrong with the installation, it is imperative that they are insured and licensed to work in AZ. This is not something that you want to wait to find out after a mistake has been made. Save yourself the headache by ensuring that your contractor is bonded and insured.

Do You Offer a Warranty?

There are a couple different warranties you should know about. The first type of warranty is the equipment warranty, which is provided by the manufacturer. The second is a labor warranty, which is provided by the HVAC contractor. While good equipment warranties are pretty standard, labor warranties vary widely. HVAC installers that are confident in the work they are providing will likely stand by it with a solid labor warranty of at least ten years. If they don’t, move on to the next contractor.

Do You Offer Any Type of Service Plan or Maintenance Program?

The key to keeping your new HVAC system running at its peak is routine maintenance. Equally as important, many manufacturers require customers to have their system regularly maintained in order to honor the warranty on the unit. When contacting HVAC contractors, ask if they offer any type of maintenance or service plan to help you stay compliant with your warranty and to increase the longevity of your valuable investment.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Installation?

It typically takes your AC technician about 4-8 hours to complete a full installation, but the time can vary depending on the size and scope of work that needs to be done. Along the way, your technician should be keeping you posted on the progress and keeping you in the loop if there are any potential time delays.

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We have been serving the valley since 1947! Contact the air conditioning installation experts at Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling to learn more about getting your new AC unit installed correctly. Requests service online OR call 480-359-7141 now!