When you’re ready to buy a new cooling system for your Massachusetts home, it pays to shop around – just make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when evaluating bids. Here are some questions you’ll want to answer when you look at your estimate for a new central air conditioning system:
What sized unit is covered in this estimate? The size of a central air conditioning system is most often measured in tons, with one ton producing about 12,000 BTUs of cooling. That’s about enough to cool 400 square feet of floor space (although many other factors can affect an A/C’s ability to cool a room – don’t be fooled into believing that room volume is the only factor!).
Does this estimate include any ductwork? Ductwork repair or modifications can easily add several thousand dollars to your bid, and doing it in a way that avoids costly leaks and mold problems later is a job for skilled, licensed contractors – not a handyman.
What brand of air conditioner is covered by the estimate? Many brands will get the cooling job done, but some will cost more despite providing similar benefits. The key is to find an A/C brand that gives you the most value in your budget range.
What is the SEER rating of the air conditioner in this estimate? An A/C model may be available in several SEER ratings; prices increase by about 8-10 percent for every 1-point increase in SEER rating, all other things being equal.
What accommodations are included in this estimate? If you want to preserve elements of a character home, need to install in tight crawlspaces, or do anything else that takes time and effort to do right, make sure that work is included in the estimate – in detail, and in writing.
And the most important question:
Why should I choose you as my HVAC contractor? You may pay less up front for one HVAC contractor than another, but believe us – in the long run, it pays to go with an experienced, licensed, bonded, and reputable contractor like Needham Oil.
Save hundreds on a new air conditioner and get a free 1-year service plan when you buy your unit by June 30! Contact us today for a FREE, no obligation estimate.