4 Key Questions To Ask When Upgrading To Central Air Conditioning

If your home is currently without air conditioning or if you rely on a ductless system or window AC units to stay cool during the summer, it may be time to consider an upgrade to central air conditioning. Not only is central air very energy efficient, but having it can add value to your home and keep your entire home comfortable during the hottest months of the year.

Before you sign a contract with any HVAC installers, however, there are a few questions you need to ask.

1. What Type of Retrofitting is Required?

Start by finding out what level of retrofitting will be required to prepare your home for central AC installation. For example, if you don't currently have any ductwork in your home, it's likely that a lot of extensive retrofitting will be needed to accommodate a central AC system--which can drive up the cost of the project. 

2. What Capacity Unit Does My Home Need?

The size and square footage of your home can also affect the ultimate cost of your project, especially since different central AC units have different outputs. The more square footage your home contains, the more powerful the unit you'll need to keep your home cool and comfortable. Make sure the AC installation company giving you the quote takes the time to measure the square footage of your home and takes that into consideration when recommending a specific unit.

3. Do You Offer Any Kind of Financing?

Upgrading to central AC can be a costly project, so unless you plan on paying for it in full, you'll probably want to inquire about financing options that may be offered by your installer. These days, many HVAC companies even offer 0% financing for several years, so you can make monthly payments until your project is paid off without accruing interest over time (depending on your credit).

4. What's Included in Your Estimate?

Finally, when you receive an estimate, make sure you find out exactly what's included versus what might cost you extra. Specifically, you'll want to make sure things like clean-up and debris removal are included in your quote. This will help you to avoid unwanted surprises when you receive your bill.

Upgrading your home to central air conditioning can be a smart decision and one that you'll certainly enjoy for many summers to come. Just be sure to ask these important questions before you sign on that dotted line. For more information, contact your local air conditioning installation service.