Home HVAC systems are mechanical, and all mechanical contrivances will eventually wear out and fail. This means 
that at some point, you will have to replace the HVAC system in your home. Once you stop weeping, read on to help you on the hunt for your new system.
TO DUCT OR NOT TO DUCT
If you are replacing a unit in an older home, it is highly likely the home has pre-existing duct work. It is the perfect time to have those ducts inspected, cleaned and replaced if the need arises. It is a generally accepted estimate of 40 percent of cooled air escapes through air ducts.
If you are upgrading an older home or are building a new one, ductless splits are a strong consideration. These operate without duct work, and rooms can have different, adjusted temperatures. Most people like sleeping in cooler rooms but prefer living areas a bit warmer.
Now that you have made decisions on what you want, it is time to look for quotes. Be careful on our choices and be ready to ask each company specific questions.
Here are a few but not all questions you can consider.
- 1. Do you have references? Call them and ask the customer specific questions. Make a list of questions before hand. Call a reference from under six months ago and one from at least a year ago. This way you can get the best idea on this work.
- 2. How long will it take you? Being without A/C is tough. You want this done as soon as possible.
- 3. What is the warranty on labor? Parts will normally have an extended warranty; labor will be limited.
- 4. Are you licensed and insured? Standard fare, but ask anyway.
Pay attention to your bids. Low bids are not always the best. You will need to compare the bid against the information you garnered from the questions. Read the fine print on everything you see. Get it all in writing – price, schedule, models, warranty, contract etc. The more you get in writing, the better.
There may be financial incentives for a new unit, so be sure to ask. We at Cranbury Comfort would love to help you with a new home installation, so call us. We will work up a quote that will be competitive and backed with our 40 plus years in the industry.
