It’s sad but true: at some point you’ll need to replace your home’s central air conditioner, heat pump and/or furnace. These systems present a substantial cost for homeowners, and collecting estimates on the cost of a new system can feel like bracing yourself for bad news.
It’s important for you to be involved in the heating and cooling estimate in order to get the most out of your new system and to truly understand the costs. Be sure to ask these three questions to a certified AC contractor during your HVAC estimate:
What types of warranties come with this system?
It’s important for you to know how long a system will be under a manufacturer’s warranty. You should also find out if the contractor’s work is under warranty and, if so, for how long. When asking about warranties, be sure to ask about the fine details of service; many warranties require routine service or the warranty will be void.
What is the estimated payback period for energy efficient models?
Today, manufacturers are offering air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces that are extremely energy efficient, though the most efficient models usually come with a much higher price tag. If you’re considering one of these models, ask your HVAC contractor how long it will take for the energy savings to pay for the added cost of the unit. In other words, at what point will you actually see a cost savings?
What is your estimate for how much it will cost to install the HVAC system?
When homeowners are considering installing a new unit, they often first think of their budget for the actual heat pump or air conditioner, without also considering how much installation costs will be. Make sure that these costs, which can be fairly significant, are factored into your overall budget.
Receiving a new heating system estimate may not be the most enjoyable task in life, but with the right questions and a professional, reliable contractor, you can feel confident in your decision. Richmond’s Air offers professional estimates on central air, heat pumps, furnaces and mini-splits for those in the Houston, Katy, Spring and Bellaire communities.
Visit out Knowledge Center to learn more about what to expect in a heating estimate, or call us today to schedule an appointment.