We understand the urge to price items before settling on one or the other. We do this every time we go to the grocery store—deciding if it’s really worth it to get the name brand ketchup or if the store brand will do just fine. Of course, picking out a new air conditioner or heating system isn’t the same as selecting condiments from a grocery shelf. Why would you shop as though it is?
Many people attempt to save money on air conditioning and heating installations—HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems—by shopping around for the best price. Unfortunately, the best price doesn’t always translate to the best company. Often, we find that “cheap” companies are just that. You may end up with an installation that doesn’t meet your standards, and costs far more to fix than it did to install.
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and the industry that surrounds it contains a lot of terminology that, frankly, no average homeowner needs to know. Still, there’s one term we think people in most parts of the U.S., especially those in warmer climates, should know: heat pump.
You’ve been using your home’s swamp cooler for a long time. You’ve come to rely on it…well, for the most part. But there are some times when you walk into a store air conditioned with refrigerated AC, and you simply feel a sense of relief. If you ever have the feeling your swamp cooler simply isn’t delivering the quality of cooling you deserve, you’re not alone.
Buying an air conditioner tends to be a process you don’t want to deal with. An air conditioner is known as a “distress purchase,” something you buy only in a time of need. You cannot get by in Albuquerque without air conditioning, and it makes more sense to replace the entire system right away when you’re dealing with near 100° heat.
Often, people don’t go searching for a new air conditioner until it has broken down completely. Air conditioners, plumbing components, and other necessities are known as “distress purchases,” purchases made during periods of need, rather than something you buy because you want the latest and greatest gadget. We think it’s time to rethink this way of buying a new AC system.
It’s okay for the average homeowner to know little more than the bare minimum about their air conditioning and heating systems. You may not know how a compressor works or the science behind refrigeration, but that’s okay! (And kudos if you do know.)