If your air conditioner or furnace just died, you’re facing some quick and tough decisions. Now is the time to take a deep breath and not rush to an uninformed decision.  The top mistakes people make when purchasing a new heating or cooling system are: Ignoring SEER – The higher the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating the more efficient the unit, which translates to less money spent each month heating or cooling your home. A 13 SEER rating is the minimum; 15 SEER is good; above 16 is high efficiency. A high efficiency system can cut your energy bills in half when compared to an old 8 SEER unit and also provides many comfort benefits. Missing rebate opportunities – Many states and manufacturers offer rebates to help offset the costs of some systems, particularly those that are higher efficiency.  In fact, some states offer as much as $1500 in rebates. Only getting one estimate – Prices and options will vary, as will service contracts, installation costs, and permits. 

Shop around and compare apples to apples. Going for the lowest price – A low price does not always equal the best value. A higher efficiency system might cost an extra $800 up front, but could save you $300 per year in energy costs. ac unit in indiaOver the life of the system, typically 12-15 years, you would be saving significant dollars by paying a little more for the higher efficiency system.ac units for manufactured homes Not considering maintenance contracts – Maintenance is necessary to keep your system functioning in optimal conditions over the life of the unit.  ac not cooling outside unit not runningOver time dirt, debris, and other foreign substances can cause build up in your system, erode electrical connections and cause other damage that is expensive to replace. 

In addition, the buildup can cause a 14 SEER unit to perform like a 10 SEER one, making your system work harder and your utility bills higher. Ensuring your system is clean and maintained annually can extend the life of your system and help you avoid expensive and preventable repairs in the future. Not paying attention to refrigerant – R-22, which might be referred to by a brand name like Freon®, has been restricted from use in all new units produced after 2009. As an ozone-depleting gas, new R-22 refrigerant should not be used in  new systems.  If you’re buying a new system make sure it uses R-410A or a similar approved refrigerant. In some cases repairs can be made to existing systems using the R-22 refrigerant that is already in your old system or it can be repaired and recharged with “re-claimed” and recycled R-22 refrigerant from other old systems. Buying a new air conditioner or furnace is a big decision.  Take the time to make it a good one.  Have you recently replaced your system? 

Tell us what you learned before your purchase!See What Our Customers Have to Say! Handpicked and Vetted Install Contractors is the only on-line source for Air Conditioning/Heating equipment that requires and guarantees professional installation of your new system. We have hand picked and vetted licensed contractors in your area to guarantee proper installation. ’s installation partners have strong BBB ratings and an upstanding record with the Register of Contractors. Having your new equipment installed by a professional ensures the system operates at the highest level and most importantly it validates the warranty. Remember, the quality of the company and technicians responsible for installing your new system is equally as important as the type of equipment you choose. We Sell the Best Units in the Industry Goodman makes high efficiency units built for the Arizona summers.Edit ArticleHow to Buy an Air Conditioner There are many factors to consider when choosing an air conditioning unit.

Air conditioners vary in price, energy efficiency and cooling capacity. Modern air conditioning units have many advanced features to compare before making a choice. The type of air conditioner that is right for your home also depends on your room size, window or wall opening, and installation requirements. Research how to buy an air conditioner to choose a unit that will save money and energy while keeping your space cool. Shop for an air conditioner in the cooler months. Decide between a window, portable or wall air conditioning unit. Measure the rooms to be cooled. Check the cooling capacity. Compare the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of air conditioners. Make sure the louvers of the air conditioner are motorized or adjustable. Get advice and feedback. Try out the air conditioning unit in the store. Find out how to install the unit. Enjoy cool comfort and savings When the temperatures in Florida go up, we all fight the urge to turn our thermostats down — way down.

And in the coldest winter months, heating can cost even more than cooling. This guide will help you get the most comfort for your money and provide guidance for when you need to replace your air conditioner (A/C). When shopping for a new A/C system, we recommend buying a high-efficiency unit. It may cost more up front, but the unit will eventually pay for itself with the money you'll save on your electric bill. You can print out this comparison worksheet to determine the estimated payback period. In most Florida homes, air conditioning accounts for approximately 50 percent or more of the annual electric bill. Here are some tips to start controlling your energy consumption. Keep your thermostat at 78° with the fan switch on "auto." Turn ceiling fans off when no one is in the room. Ceiling fans do not actually cool a room. They just make you feel cooler. Clean or change your A/C filter once a month. Maintain proper airflow through your system. Keep sunlight out during summer months.

Check your A/C ducts for leaks. Consider buying a new A/C system. The older your A/C system is, the less efficient it is. This glossary of commonly used air-conditioning terms will make it easier to talk to your contractor. Straight cool system - An air-conditioning system that includes a cooling cycle only. Gas, oil, or electric strip heating may be included in straight cool systems. Strip Heating (or resistance heating) - A form of heating, where air is blown over electrically heated metal coils and circulated into the living space. Heat pump system - Cooling and heating system that provides a cooling cycle during the summer and a heating cycle during the winter. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) - A measure of the average annual cooling efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump. We recommend a minimum SEER of 15.0. HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) - A measure of the average annual heating efficiency of a heat pump. We recommend an HSPF of greater than 7.7.