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Finding the Right Air Conditioning Contractor
by Candice Mancini
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
The walls are hot to the touch. You're afraid the doorknob will scorch you. It feels your entire house is about to melt, like some surreal blend of Dr. Seuss and Salvador Dali. Quick, call that air conditioning contractor (before the phone is a boiling river of distorted numbers and sickly, suffocated rings).
Finding the Right Air Conditioning Contractor
A good air conditioning contractor should be able to find you the optimal system for your home. It might be best to use a contractor who is part of an experienced and reputable company. At minimum, your air conditioning contractor should be fully licensed and insured.
As with any home renovation, don't make cost your only factor when choosing a contractor. In addition, your air conditioning contractor should be able to offer the following:
- Free estimates
- Service plans for ongoing maintenance
- Availability for potential future emergencies
- Extended warranties
Some contractors even offer financing for new appliances.
How Will the Air Conditioning Contractor Determine the Right Size?
The size of your home will a major factor in determining the size of your air conditioning system. But there are other important issues your contractor should consider, such as the orientation of the walls and windows; whether it is a one- or two-story home; your home's insulation; and number of occupants.
Taking all these factors into consideration will possibly prevent getting a unit that is too large for your home. And with air conditioning systems, bigger is not better.
Why Bigger is Not Better
With a larger air conditioning system, you will encounter larger operating costs. Ask your contractor to estimate monthly costs for the unit being recommended for your home. If it seems high, ask if it might be possible to use a smaller unit.
Of course, just as you don't want too big, you also don't want something too small. But your goal will be like Goldilocks': finding that perfectly wonderful "just right." Your air conditioning contractor should be able to accomplish this.
About the Author
Candice Mancini is a writer, a teacher, and a homeowner always on the lookout for a good contractor. She has an M.A. in Education and B.A. in English and history.
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