Global warming might be more on your radar nowadays, but you might not know the shocking impact it has had so far on Massachusetts. Since 1970, temperatures in the state have risen by around 3.5°F, higher than the U.S. average. If your summers have felt uncomfortably hot, that’s why.
However, you don’t need to suffer in warm weather. Upgrading your HVAC system could be the answer. Discover how a professional air conditioning installer can transform your home, giving you an efficient, low-cost cooling solution. We’ll also walk you through the steps to find the best installers in your area.
Installation: Why You Should Always Opt for a Professional
It might be tempting to install an air conditioner yourself if you feel confident with systems and DIY. Nevertheless, it’s always best to opt for a professional to get the job done correctly.
Professional, certified installers will:
- Ensure the unit is correctly sized for your home
- Know how to provide a high-quality installation that helps you avoid leaks and inefficiencies
- Ensure compliance with safety and building regulation rules
- Supports some manufacturer warranties
A proper installation will help you get the most from your air conditioning when the temperatures rise in Massachusetts in the summer months. That means an efficient, reliable system and lower energy bills.
Do You Need to Replace Your Air Conditioning Unit?
None of us like sizable household expenses, and it’s natural to want to delay a significant upgrade like your air conditioning unit.
However, there is a downside to ignoring the problem. An old air conditioning unit is more costly to run, and the risk of breakdowns could land you with unexpected repair bills. Here are some of the signs that it’s time to replace an old unit:
Frequent Repairs
The most obvious sign of an air conditioner in need of replacing is frequent repairs to the system. If you are seeing breakdowns and having to call out emergency engineers for a fix, this signals more than an inconvenience: it becomes progressively more expensive the longer you leave it.
Rising Energy Bills
Old, inefficient systems don’t cool your house as well as new ones. This simple fact is reflected in your energy bills. When you start seeing creeping costs beyond any volatility in the energy markets, it’s time to replace your old air conditioning system.
Poor Air Flow
If you aren’t getting consistently cool temperatures throughout your house, you could have a problem with the airflow. If your system is old, this could be due to failing components and ductwork issues, and you should consider an upgrade.
Age
A simple sign that you need to replace your air conditioning unit is the age. Modern HVAC systems last between 10 and 20 years. If you have a system that has been around for over 10 years, it’s worth getting an inspection. If your system is between 15 and 20 years old, you should start planning for a new one.
Choosing the Right Professional Cooling Systems for Your Home
Not all AC systems are the same; only some may be the perfect fit for your property. When searching for installers, what you want installed is as important as how. The trick is to find a good match to help you balance comfort and energy efficiency. Here are three sets of questions you’ll need to answer to help narrow your choice:
Central Air Conditioning Vs. Ductless Mini-Splits
The first question you’ll need to answer is whether you want central or ductless air conditioning. Some installers may offer one or both.
Central air conditioning is often a good choice for a larger home. The use of ductwork helps you achieve even coolness throughout all your rooms. The downside of central air conditioning is that you’ll need to factor in the maintenance of the ducts.
In contrast, a ductless mini-split, as the name implies, operates without ductwork. These are great for cooling specific zones in the house. They’re more energy efficient and suited to smaller homes or ones that need zoned cooling.
Energy-Efficient Options
You will have the option to install modern, energy-efficient systems, and there are two significant benefits:
- Energy-efficient systems can lower your energy bills
- They are more beneficial to the environment
Modern, advanced systems often have a longer lifespan, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
If you want an energy-efficient air conditioning setup, let prospective installers know your priorities. Look for systems with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings or units certified by Energy Star.
Smart Thermostats
A growing number of air conditioning systems offer smart thermostats, giving homeowners more control and convenience of heating and cooling. Consider what you need from a thermostat, such as remote, app-controlled options, and ensure you speak to your air conditioning installer about this feature.
Installation Services: What to Expect
It’s helpful to understand the installation process when speaking to prospective residential air conditioning contractors. It will help you better understand what you are getting for your money. Here are the key phases of an installation:
Initial Assessment
An HVAC professional will typically start with a home assessment. This helps to size the AC unit so it’s the right fit for your property. This is a crucial step because if the HVAC isn’t sized for your house, it could waste energy or leave you with uneven temperatures throughout. The technician will examine a few factors: square footage, window placement, and insulation.
Removing the Old Unit
If you have an old air conditioning unit, you’ll need to allow time for the installation team to remove it. Make sure this is included in your quote.
Installing the New Units
The next step is the physical installation. The team will add all indoor and outdoor units, having already identified where to place them during the initial assessment.
Connect Components
After the installation is complete, your team will connect components, including refrigerant lines and electrics. They’ll also inspect everything at this point and test for leaks. This is one of the reasons it’s vital to choose a professional with the right qualifications who will adhere to industry standards.
Post-Installation Adjustments
After the installation, the team will check the airflow and refrigerant levels to ensure your setup is efficient and gives you the right temperature. They’ll also perform final checks on aspects like the ductwork and seals to spot potential air leaks. This quality control step will reduce the risk of breakdowns or issues, so when choosing an installation company, ask what their process is for the final post-installation checks.
Finding HVAC Installation Services Near You: Step-by-Step
Taking your time to research installers is worthwhile. A reputable and trustworthy team will deliver high standards, giving you an efficient and cost-effective air conditioning setup for your home. Here is how to find the best one in your area:
Focus on Location
Always look for a company that services your local area. You can find a list of our locations here.
Search for Licensing and Certifications
The first step in your search is to rule out contractors who can’t offer professional accreditations. Proper licensing and certifications mean you’ll have someone who’ll do the work to a high standard with a safe and compliant approach. All our technicians are fully certified at Endless Energy Home Services, so you know your home installation will be done safely and expertly.
Read Reviews
Getting recommendations from local residents is a great way to find a reputable company. Alternatively, look at the reviews and testimonials available online, focusing on quality, timeliness, post-installation service, and value for money. You can find a wealth of positive, five-star feedback from our happy customers at Endless Energy Home Services on Google Reviews.
Check for Warranties
When shortlisting contractors, check whether they offer service guarantees or warranties. This will protect you from unexpected costs later on if something goes wrong with your system, and it’s a good way to get assurance that you are dealing with a company that offers the highest installation standards.
Compare Prices
As with any service for your home, it’s never wise to simply go with the lowest price.
Price doesn’t always mean value for money. Quality is as important, but there are ways you can ensure you get a great price. Make sure you ask for a breakdown of the fees so you can see what you’re getting for that price. This means you can compare like for like, and you don’t need to worry about hidden fees or additional fees.
It’s also helpful to ask the prospective company whether they offer financing. At Endless Energy Home Services, we have two financing options available for customers: the Mass Save HEAT Loan and GoodLeap. The first option gives you 0% interest on eligible upgrades. GoodLeap provides six- and twelve-month loans for home projects, including HVAC installations.
Finding an Air Conditioning Installer Near You
Don’t ignore the signs of a tired air conditioning unit. Now is the perfect time to get an upgrade before those hot summer months appear.
Finding an air conditioning installer near you is simple because you are in the perfect place. Our highly experienced, certified team of technicians is here for all your installation needs,so feel free to contact us today. We even have some unmissable offers to make the decision easy for you, and you can find out more about them here.
