Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting an Air Conditioning Supplier

Selecting the right AC system is crucial for ensuring you get a system that meets your needs. It will provide years of trouble-free performance.


However, many homeowners make mistakes when choosing an air conditioning supplier. It can lead to poor system performance, unexpected costs, and frustration down the road.


Learning about these potential pitfalls upfront is vital. With this, you can make an informed decision and find the best supplier for your home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Researching Thoroughly

It is important to thoroughly research potential AC suppliers instead of just going with the first company you come across. Look at multiple suppliers’ websites to learn about their reputation, expertise, service areas, products, certifications, and customer reviews.

This provides insight into aspects like quality of work, professionalism, responsiveness, and overall customer satisfaction. Avoid suppliers with a pattern of negative reviews.

Check if the company serves your local area and has extensive experience installing systems in homes like yours. Putting in this research upfront prevents choosing an unreliable or incompetent air conditioning supplier.

Choosing Based Solely on Price

Price is a significant factor. However, choosing an AC supplier solely because they offer the lowest bid can be a mistake. Instead, consider aspects like product quality, energy efficiency, warranty coverage, and workmanship.

A supplier offering old, inefficient, or low-quality air conditioners may provide an initial cost saving. However, it leads to higher energy bills and repair costs later on. Moreover, inexpensively installed systems are prone to problems from cut corners.

Choose a reasonably priced supplier that uses quality products and provides a good warranty. This delivers better long-term value than just going with the cheapest option.

Ignoring Energy Efficiency

When selecting an AC supplier, most homeowners neglect to consider the system's energy efficiency. However, this should be an important criterion in your decision-making process.

Energy-efficient systems have higher upfront costs but pay off in the long run through lower monthly electricity bills. Given rising energy prices, an inefficient air conditioner can be very costly over its service life.

Ask suppliers about the efficiency ratings of their product ranges. Prioritise options like inverter ACs that provide superb efficiency while maintaining comfort. This saves money and has environmental benefits.

Not Checking for Proper Licensing and Certifications

Never hire an air conditioning supplier without verifying their credentials first. Reputable companies have all the required certifications and licenses to undertake air conditioning installations legally and safely.

Ask to see certificates and paperwork. You want to check factors like:

? Membership in trade bodies

? Liability insurance, and

? Competency certification for the particular types of systems they install.

Using unlicensed, unqualified technicians puts you at risk of non-compliant, hazardous work. Always check credentials thoroughly before confirming an AC supplier.

Neglecting Warranty and Support

The warranty coverage and after-sales support provided by an AC supplier influences product performance and maintenance costs. Comprehensive warranties (5-10 years on compressor) ensure free repair or replacement of defective parts.

Choose a supplier that provides maintenance plans and quick emergency support. If the AC breaks down mid-summer, you want a technician available for prompt repairs.

Check warranty terms and support services when selecting a supplier. This provides peace of mind and avoids costly repair bills for problems covered under warranty.

Overlooking Compatibility and Sizing

Air conditioning suppliers often recommend inappropriate, wrongly sized or incompatible systems with a home’s existing electrical and ductwork infrastructure. This results in issues like short cycling, frequent breakdowns, and huge electricity bills.

Insist that the supplier does a thorough site evaluation and heat load calculation before suggesting AC units. Ensure the system’s electrical load and ducting needs match your home’s capacity.

An incompatible, wrongly sized AC system eventually necessitates expensive changes to ductwork or circuits for it to function optimally.

Failing to Get Multiple Quotes

Homeowners often make the mistake of going with the first AC supplier they talk to instead of getting multiple quotes. However, quotes can vary greatly between different companies for the same job.

Getting quotes from at least 3-4 reputable suppliers gives you price and product options to choose from. Compare all the quotes carefully taking into consideration factors like AC unit brands, warranty terms, installation charges, etc.

This allows you to make an informed decision on selecting the best value air conditioning system for your home.

Tips for Selecting the Right Air Conditioning Supplier

Here are some useful tips to help you select the right air conditioning supplier:




? Ask family and friends for referrals to suppliers they have used and trust. Firsthand experiences help identify reputable companies.

? Check credentials like licensing, insurance, and trade membership before shortlisting suppliers. This vets technical competency and compliance.

? Look for a supplier that has years of experience. This indicates stability and developed expertise.

? Insist on an onsite evaluation by the supplier before getting a quote. This ensures correct sizing and compatibility.

? Compare quotes from multiple suppliers. However, consider aspects like energy efficiency, warranties, brands etc. rather than just price.

? Look for special offers, rebates and financing options which can lower overall costs.

? Consider suppliers that provide refrigerant piping and wiring since this minimises errors in third-party coordination.

? Prioritise suppliers with strong technical expertise, customer service and emergency support. This offers prompt issue resolution.

? Check the supplier’s website for resources like articles, sizing calculators, videos etc. Educational content indicates technical knowledge.

? Verify that the supplier meets all local regulatory requirements for operating legally in your area.

? Request 2-3 client references and follow up with them. This helps gauge quality and reliability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right air conditioning supplier is an important decision that requires thorough research and careful evaluation. With the hot summers, having the properly sized, energy-efficient air conditioner installed by competent technicians is crucial. This ensures your family stays comfortable while minimising energy bills.