What You Should Know When Buying Air Conditioning
May 2, 2014
It’s a purchase you make perhaps once in 10 years. All the technology is new. Energy efficiency and saving money are on your mind, but you may not be sure on how to make the best decision.
What about service after the sale? How can you be sure that it’s there?
Here’s a start. We’ve put together this check list of 10 questions for you to ask every air conditioning company you invite to bid on your new or replacement system. The answers will help you make a smart and comfortable decision.
- Are you licensed? What is your license number?
- Are you insured?
- How long have you been in business?
- Tell me about your service department.
- Do you “pull” all required permits?
- Do you want to check the ductwork?
- What make and model number are you recommending?
- What kinds of warranties cover this equipment?
- Now, what are your price and terms?
In most states, a property owner can be fined for using a non-licensed air conditioning contractor. Faith Heating & Air Conditioning.. CCB number is 133911
If an uninsured contractor gets hurt on your property, you may have to pay his medical bills and lost wages. You also may have to pay for any damage to your property. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured. We’re happy to provide you with a copy of our insurance certificate on request.
This will help you determine the reliability and soundness of the company, and to get a sense of whether the company will be there to service your equipment. We have been in business for over 5 years.
Make sure the installer has a professionally trained service department, with adequate staff, equipment and trucks, and that will service you after hours if necessary. All of our service technicians are factory trained, and are certified to handle refrigerants under the new Federal Government regulations. In addition, make sure they have all ductwork and other necessary parts for installation and service.
This makes sure that the job is done right, and is safe and inspected by the proper agencies. If there is no permit, you may be required to have the work done over, even if it was installed properly. We always pull and post permits.
That’s what a proper contractor would do — examine all existing ductwork for sizing to accommodate new equipment, and to check for leaks – We always do.
Get full model numbers on condensers and air handlers to verify the BTU’s, SEER and HSPF ratings.
Have in writing both the manufacturer’s and contractor’s warranties on the equipment and installation. Plus, We give you our 100% satisfaction guarantee: If you are not completely satisfied, we will not stop until you are.
Make sure the price includes equipment, installation, all permits, necessary wiring and plumbing, and taxes. A new, energy efficient system often can pay for itself on the money you’ll save on energy bills over what you’re paying for your old less efficient system. (See our Energy Efficiency and the Environment Page). We will help you with this. Plus we accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.