10 Reasons to Let the Pros Handle Your Air Conditioning Installation
There's no relief quite as incredible as stepping inside an air-conditioned home after being outside during the hottest parts of the summer.
To experience that feeling, however, your unit has to be working at maximum efficiency. A well-working air conditioner starts with a proper installation.
The best way to ensure an air conditioner is properly installed is to hire a professional. If that doesn't convince you alone, continue reading to learn ten reasons you should let the pros handle your air conditioning installation.
What Can Go Wrong If an Air Conditioner Is Installed Incorrectly?
Before we dive into the essential reasons you want to hire a professional to install your air conditioner, let's look at what could go wrong. If an air conditioner isn't installed the right way, the following things might happen:
- The unit may make strange noises
- The unit will have a slower response to temperature changes
- Poor airflow
- Increased energy costs
- General damage to the system
- Frequent stopping and starting of the system
These are only a few of the most frequent issues. Depending on how exactly the unit was installed incorrectly, other problems could occur. Now let's look at ten essential reasons to hire a professional for air conditioning installation.
1. They're the Professionals
HVAC systems are complex and require a lot of specialized know-how to be worked on properly. HVAC technicians undergo a lot of training to receive the licensing and certifications necessary to perform their job. They may have been working on HVAC systems for years or even decades.
An average person doesn't come close to having the necessary expertise. There are a lot of mistakes that could occur if someone didn't know what they were doing.
2. You Have Protection Against Errors
If you were to install your air conditioner on your own and make a mistake, you'd be liable for it. Any necessary repairs or replacements would fall on you. This can end up costing a lot of time and money.
When you hire a professional for your air conditioning installation you have protection against errors. If anything goes wrong during the installation process, the HVAC technician is responsible for it.
Significant errors are typically covered through the HVAC company's insurance. They may be "bonded," which means they've placed a certain amount of money aside for insurance claims. You can save yourself a lot of time and money in the long run by investing in professional installation.
3. Your Warranty May Require It
All HVAC units come with manufacturer warranties that will provide free parts or replacement if the unit is determined to be defective. The length of these warranties can vary considerably by manufacturer, but you definitely don't want to void it.
The warranty may come with a clause stating the unit can only be worked on by a licensed HVAC professional. What happens if you install the unit yourself or try to tackle repairs? The warranty is voided, so you won't be eligible to receive any replacements.
Voiding the warranty could prove disastrous if there turns out to be a manufacturing defect. While not common, things can go wrong while HVAC units are being built.
4. You'll Get the Most Accurate Unit Sizing
Working with an HVAC contractor means you'll get an air conditioning unit accurately sized for your home. This can save you significantly on energy bills and prolong the life of your air conditioning unit.
If you were to install an HVAC unit that was too small for your home, it would run continuously trying to keep the temperature down. Not only does this increase your energy costs, but it places a lot of wear and tear on your unit.
If you were to install an air conditioning system that was too big for your home, it would be turning on and shutting off constantly. This causes the same issues as a too-small unit. Your energy bills skyrocket, and your air conditioner "ages" significantly faster than it usually would.
5. Your HVAC System Might Last Longer
Having a professional install your unit might mean it lasts longer. These experts know how to both install and maintain air conditioners so that they work at maximum efficiency. They'll be able to set everything up according to the manufacturer's exact specifications, which varies from one unit to the next.
When a unit runs at maximum efficiency, it's likely to last its average lifespan or longer. It's when units are installed incorrectly or are running poorly that they begin to break.
6. It's Safer
If not handled properly, HVAC systems can be incredibly dangerous. Not only can you become injured while working on the system, but it could also damage your home in various ways.
HVAC technicians have been thoroughly trained to work safely around these systems. They've also been taught what to do in the event of an emergency.
7. Hiring a Professional Means Less Stress for You
To put it simply, hiring a professional to install your air conditioning system is less stressful for you. There's no need to waste your valuable time and become frustrated when someone else could handle the job.
While your new air conditioning system is being installed, you can focus on other things. You could spend time with your family, catch up on a work project, or take-up your daily exercise. It doesn't matter what you're doing; hiring a professional means you'll essentially be multitasking.
8. You Can Get Your Questions Answered
When you hire a professional, you also tap into an abundance of resources. You'll be able to get any questions you have about your new unit answered. A few things you may want to ask your HVAC installer include:
- How often should I have my new air conditioning unit serviced?
- What things should I look for in the future that may indicate a problem?
- Can I call you (or your company) if something seems to be amiss with the unit in the next few days?
- Is there anything special about this particular model of HVAC system I should know about?
- How long does the manufacturer's warranty last on my new unit?
You may have other questions you'd like to ask. Your technician should be happy to answer any questions you have about their service or your new unit.
9. Repairs and Maintenance Are Easier Moving Forward
Repairs and maintenance are easier moving forward if you continue using the same HVAC company. Since they're the ones who installed your unit, they'll have more in-depth knowledge about it. They can look back at their notes to determine inconsistencies or problem patterns in your unit.
This benefit becomes especially useful as your system gets older. Eventually, even the best systems will begin having problems. Working with a company that can find the problem faster and have it fixed sooner is invaluable.
10. Air Conditioning Installation Is Faster
Since an HVAC technician regularly installs air conditioning units, they're faster at it. They can complete the project in less than half the time it would take you. This means you'll have your home cooler and more comfortable sooner.
How to Choose the Right Company
Knowing the ten reasons you should let a professional handle your air conditioning installation is one thing. But it's equally as important to know that not all HVAC installation and repair companies are created equally.
When you're looking to have a major project done, you want to find the best company in your area. Below are a few simple ways to vet your local companies before choosing one to hire.
Start With a Google Search
You'll want to make sure any company you're trying to vet does work in your area. Depending on whether you live in an urban or rural area, you may have as many as a dozen choices.
You can find which companies work in your area with a simple Google search. Type "HVAC contractors near me" or "air conditioning installation near me" into the search bar. As long as you've allowed Google to use your location, the results will be restricted to companies in your area.
It doesn't have to be Google, either. You can use any major search engine to find local technician results.
Check Online Review Sites
Online review sites are one of the easiest ways to vet any kind of service business, and that includes HVAC companies. These sites allow previous clients to leave a review rating detailing their personal experience. Some sites have rating systems from one to five, while others have systems that range from one to ten.
The better the overall rating of a company, the more confidence you can have in choosing them. An abundance of reviews is also a good sign, as this proves the company has a vast amount of experience installing air conditioning systems.
Use Word-Of-Mouth Referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals are based on the same premise as review sites, except you go to people you know in person. Many people prefer to take the advice of people they know versus strangers on the internet.
Ask around to see if anyone you know has used an HVAC installation company. You may consider asking friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers. Make sure to ask why someone would or wouldn't use a specific company again.
Inquire About Certifications and Training
Licensing, certification, and training requirements vary from state to state and even city to city. Find out what the specific requirements are for your municipality and ensure the company you hire is up to legal standards.
Making sure a technician is licensed is essential. All professional companies will make sure they meet the legal minimums to stay in business. A company who tells you they aren't licensed, or who refuses to prove they are, should be avoided at all costs.
Test Their Customer Service
You can tell a lot about a company based on their customer service. Poor customer service tells you the company doesn't care about their reputation, while excellent service tells the opposite.
Consider whether you feel like any concerns you have are being listened to. Are your questions being answered? Ensure the representative isn't getting snippy about answering the questions you have, either, because this represents poor customer service.
Trust Your Gut
You'll often find you get a "gut feeling" when speaking with a company's representative, either over the phone or in person. Always trust your gut instinct, whether it's telling you to avoid a company or hire them.
Do You Have More Questions About Professional Air Conditioning Installation?
There is an abundance of reasons to hire a professional to install your air conditioner. The ten listed above are only ten of the most significant.
Do you have more questions about professional air conditioning installation? Or would you like to hire a professional in the Dallas, TX area to handle your installation?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have. They can also set you up an appointment if desired.