You’re probably thinking it’s about time that you invest in a brand new AC system and one thing you probably aren’t too sure about is what brand to choose. Even just a few moments into searching for an AC system on Google can potentially make you feel overwhelmed with all the options that are available out there.
Here’s a quick guide that should help make this choice a bit easier for you.
Trusted Brand
The first thing you can do to reduce the number of brands to choose from is to eliminate anything too new. Try to find out how long the companies have been around and get rid of any brands that have only been around for a few years.
This may seem not nice since you’re not giving startup businesses a chance, but this is a big investment, and you don’t want to invest in a product that you aren’t sure about. Those newer brands might be offering a great product, but that’s not a gamble that you should be taking. Steve, an expert from Frank H. Monroe HVAC, said that if the brand is meant to survive, you’ll see it the next time you are shopping for a new HVAC unit.
There are a few reasons why you’ll want to stick with an established brand but most importantly, what this means is that the warranty which the AC comes with, will still likely be valid in the years to come. Longevity also means it’s a brand you can rely on. After all, folks wouldn’t continue to purchase these AC units if they were faulty, right?
Strong Reviews
The next thing you will want to do is to check out reviews. As you can imagine, the longer a company has been around, the more reviews you’ll probably see. Looking through reviews can be a little challenging, but keep at it. You don’t have to read every review but try to read a few good and negative reviews so that you get a sense of what you can expect from this brand.
If you can, try to focus on official third-party review sites. Pay attention to see if the company tried to respond to some of these customers. Make sure issues were resolved or that the company tried to address a customer’s concerns. It might seem tedious, but it’s one way to learn more about the brand that you are considering.
Various Choices
The brand you choose must have the choices you’re looking for. Yes, every HVAC out there is meant to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, but every system is not the same. If you are looking for something specific, you must look at the brand’s inventory to see if they even offer the types of models that you are looking for.
For example, if you want an AC system that’s energy-efficient, then you’ll want the brand to offer a few Energy Star appliances. Smart AC systems are another option. These come with a high-tech thermostat that you can hook up to your home wifi network and it allows you to control your system even when you aren’t at home with the touch of a few buttons on your smartphone or tablet. Ideally, you should know what kind of AC system you want before you start eliminating brand options; that will make things easier.
Fine Print
You will want to read the fine print about each brand and the type of terms they offer to customers. You are buying a new AC system, and that means you should expect perks like a good warranty. There are several types of warranties out there, and the ones offered by brands are called equipment warranties. These types of warranties usually cover expenses dealing with the equipment.
For example, you’ll be covered if a part malfunction or if there’s a manufacturing problem or defect. If you are worried about labour and whether a warranty covers that, you should be concerned about what the AC professional offers. Read their warranty to see what they are willing to cover.
Most reputable brands are going to offer you at least a five-year warranty, but that’s just the basic warranty. What most folks don’t know is that brands usually add a few more years to their HVAC if the customer registers their appliance after purchase. Read the fine print and make sure the brand is offering the years of warranty coverage that you want.
Keep in mind that most of these appliances only last 15 to 20 years. Some can last a little longer, but that only happens if you take care of the AC system well enough. If your warranty covers half or nearly half of that time, then you are doing good.
Checking Parts
If you can talk to a specialist before you choose which brand to purchase, then do so. Try to do this when you’ve done some research and have shortlisted a couple of brands. What you want to find out is which brands are generally easier to repair and maintain.
Some makers out there use cheap parts, which usually means you have to repair the appliance more often. Other brands use great materials, making them more long-lasting. On top of that, some brands love to construct appliances that are simply difficult to repair. This ends up costing you more since the repair person is going to take longer with your appliance.
A specialist has worked on countless brands and is likely going to be able to tell you which brand offers no-fuzz AC systems. You’ll also want a brand with parts you can find nearly everywhere; if not, you might end up waiting longer to find replacement parts should you ever need repairs.
These are just some things you should think about when you are trying to figure out which brand of HVAC is right for you. Try to let your AC specialist help guide you along as well. This may take some time, but in the end, you’ll be happier with your choice.
