You probably think a lot of things when your A/C system stops working in the middle of a scorching month. “How much is this going to cost me?” is probably one of them.
Generally, the cost to install an air conditioner can be expensive, and you have to prepare your pocket for it. But don’t panic. There are many ways to keep your A/C installation Germantown, Maryland project within your budget, and we will look into that in detail in this article.
Factors That Affect The Cost of a Project Like A/C Installation Germantown, Maryland
What would you feel when your air conditioner has been breaking down lately? Of course, you will start to worry because it takes a lot of money to have a new and energy-efficient cooling system. But, at least you can stay comfortable when the summer season is in full swing and enjoy an A/C unit that can withstand the test of time.
Here is a quick rundown of the factors that affect the cost of an A/C installation in Germantown, Maryland:
The Size of Your Home
How much square footage is your home? Is it a small apartment or a large mansion? The size of the space will dictate how much you need to spend on an air conditioner. If you have a big area, you automatically need a stronger and more energy-efficient cooling system that can cover the entire space.
Type of Air Conditioner
For our second spot is the type of A/C unit, and a central air conditioner is the most expensive because of the ductwork. But even if you may spend a bit more on the initial investment, you will save more in the long run because it is energy-efficient and can evenly cool your space no matter how big or small it is.
Energy Efficiency
The government has been strict when it comes to the minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for cooling systems. Most air conditioners you can find in the market these days have a SEER of at least 13, but some can go as high as 21. The higher the SEER of an A/C unit, the more energy efficient it is, and this will also mean that you will have to spend more on the A/C installation Germantown, Maryland. But it’s worth it in the long run because you keep your utility bills to a minimum.
Features
When was the last time you checked the features of an air conditioner? In this day and age, manufacturers have been adding more functions to their units to stay competitive in the market. You can find cooling systems that come with a programmable thermostat, dehumidifier, and even a fan mode. If you want all the bells and whistles, you need to be prepared to spend more on your A/C installation Germantown, Maryland.
The Company You Hire
Another factor that will affect the cost of your project is the contractor you hire. Some companies may offer a cheaper rate, but they cut corners, and this will only cause you more problems in the future. It is important to do your research and find a reputable technician that can give you the best value for your money.
How to Save Some Cash on A/C Installation Germantown, Maryland
You probably have done your homework on the cost of a new air conditioner and the installation process. How’s the experience? You’re perhaps now afraid that your project will blow up your savings account. Well, there’s no need to worry as we will show you how to save some cash on your A/C installation Germantown, Maryland. Here are some tips you can follow:
Shop Around
Do you have a busy schedule in the office? Or do you hate going out during the scorching heat of summer? Whatever your case may be, always find time to shop around for A/C systems. This way, you can compare the prices of different units and find the most affordable one that fits your budget.
Get Bids from Different Contractors
Most homeowners usually stick to the first contractor they talk to or find over the internet. But that’s not advisable. We suggest that you get at least three or more bids from a number of contractors to find the most reasonable one and acquire bigger savings. While you’re at it, you can also take the time to check their credentials and reviews.
Look for Discounts and Rebates
Some manufacturers offer great discounts on their products, especially during the peak season. You can take advantage of this opportunity to save more money on your purchase. The same goes for rebates. There are utility companies that give rebates to customers who use energy-efficient cooling systems.
Consider a Less Expensive Option
You also don’t have to break the bank just to have a new air conditioner. There are less expensive options available in the market that can still provide quality cooling for your home. Just make sure you do your research and compare the prices of different units before making your purchase.
Take Advantage of Off-Season Sales
During the peak season, the demand for air conditioners is high, which means the prices are also expensive. To avoid overspending on your purchase, we recommend that you take advantage of off-season sales. You can find great deals on air conditioners during the winter months when the demand is low. But if you’re in dire need of a new cooling system, you do not have to wait for the off-season.
Things That Can Cost You More Money on a Cooling System Installation Project
As a homeowner, you can’t also help but wonder why some people still spend more money on their A/C installation Germantown, Maryland while others only spend a fraction of the cost. Well, there are actually several factors that can contribute to this scenario. Below are some of them:
Choosing the Wrong Size Unit
Many people think that the bigger the A/C system, the better. However, that’s not always the case. Having an oversized cooling unit at home, for example, will consume more energy, which will only add up to your electricity bill.
A too small unit, on the other hand, will not be able to provide adequate cooling for your space, which can lead to discomfort. It is important that you find the right size of unit for your home to avoid looking for a replacement in the future.
Not Considering the Efficiency Rating
When the weather gets hot, your A/C system runs 24/7 to keep you comfortable, and it’s not surprising for your utility bills to drive up. To avoid this, it is important to consider the efficiency rating of the unit you will invest in. The higher the efficiency rating, the lower your energy consumption and utility bills will be.
Not Seeking Professional Help
Trying to install your A/C system on your own? That’s a big no-no. Not only is it risky, but you might end up damaging the unit or worse, hurting yourself in the process. It is always best to seek the pros for a complicated project like A/C installation Germantown, Maryland.
Not Doing Proper Research
What do you do when searching for any product online? You probably read reviews and compare the prices of different items, right? The same goes for finding the best air conditioning for your home. You need to do proper research to find the most competitively priced and high-quality unit that will suit your comfort needs and preferences.
Hiring an Amateur
It’s true that you can cut costs when you work with an inexperienced technician. However, this is not always a good idea. While they might be able to do the job, there’s no guarantee that it will be done correctly.
An amateur might overlook important details that can result in an inefficient and short-lived cooling system. So, if you want your money’s worth, let the A/C experts do what they do best – helping you choose the best unit and ensuring its proper installation.
Not Using a Programmable Thermostat
What type of thermostat are you using? If you still have to set your thermostat manually, there’s no time to waste, and you need to upgrade to a programmable one as soon as possible.
This type of thermostat gives you the ability to adjust the temperature even when you’re not at home. It also offers features that can help you save energy and lower your cooling costs. In case you do not know what type of programmable thermostat to buy, you can always ask your HVAC professional for expert assistance.
Ignoring the Warranties
Another mistake that can cost you more money is ignoring the warranties that come with your purchase. In most cases, the manufacturer’s warranty only covers the air conditioner itself.
The labor costs and other additional fees are already shouldered by the homeowner. If something goes wrong with your unit within the warranty period, all you have to do is call your trusted HVAC contractor to have it repaired or replaced at no additional cost.
Call The Pros for Dependable A/C Installation Germantown, Maryland Today
Are you looking for first-rate and competitively priced A/C installation Germantown, Maryland? There’s no need to search further than Don Hoffacker’s AC & Heating. We will assist you every step of the way, from searching for the right unit to its proper installation without costing you an arm or a leg. Please feel free to give us a call at (301) 972-0017 today for a consultation!
