How to Get the Best Deal on Central Air Conditioner Replacement

Is your central air conditioner working as you expect? Does it keep you comfortable during the hot summer months? Are you considering a new central air conditioner for your home this summer? Making the wrong choice could cost you thousands in unnecessary electric bills over the life of your system. 

1. Avoid buying based on the low bid, look for best value. There is a term for contractors who sell heating and air conditioner replacement on price. They are known as “Box Swappers” because that’s all they do, simply replace the broken or obsolete unit with a new model. A quality heating and cooling replacement job will be a comprehensive solution that includes evaluation of duct systems, insulation, air sealing to optimize the installation.
2. Don’t wait until your system breaks. Take control when your system is nearing end of life by replacing the unit before it breaks to avoid emergency replacement. If your heating and cooling system is over ten years old, get a system evaluation so you have time to shop for a replacement unit and take advantage of rebates and sales.
3. Evaluate related components. Insulation, air sealing, duct system, and controls, with a comprehensive home performance EPS assessment by a BPI certified professional. An optimized system is in balance, works better and uses less energy. Adding insulation, testing the duct system and air sealing is a cost effective way to reduce cooling load so you can buy a smaller system, which costs less. Matching the system size to cooling load will make your equipment last longer and remove humidity more effectively than an oversized central cooling system.
4. Hire ACCA or BPI certified Heating/Cooling contractor. They will size system correctly. Air Conditioning Contractors of America certified personnel are committed to a quality ACCA or BPI installation standards that includes correct sizing in balance with the home insulation and thermal load.
5. Leverage utility energy incentives for higher efficiency equipment. Utilities including Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offer rebates for installing higher efficiency equipment. This lowers the first cost and operational cost, which could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your system. The AlabamaWISE low interest loan program will finance up to $15,000 for high efficiency heating and cooling, insulation, air sealing, duct system, and comprehensive assessment.