Whatever reason has you thinking about buying a new A/C, it’s not a decision you should jump into without doing your research first. Here are the top tips for buying an air conditioner and utilizing tax credits to make the investment more affordable.
- Select a high-efficiency unit. Federal law requires new air conditioners to be at least 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). However, Energy Star-qualified A/Cs with SEERs up to the mid-20s are available today. For the optimal balance between affordable purchase price and efficient operation, seek out 16 to 18 SEER units when buying a new A/C.
- Look into tax credits. A great aspect of choosing high-efficiency equipment is that it qualifies you for energy tax credits. These tax credits are only available until December 31, 2013, so act quickly! To qualify for the $300 energy tax credit, an air conditioner must be 16 SEER or higher.
- Ask for a copy of the cooling load calculations. These dictate the size of air conditioner you need. Use this information to compare job bids between different contractors.
- Don’t be tempted by the lowest bid. When it comes time to make a final decision, remember you get what you pay for. A job well done can’t be accomplished at the lowest possible bid.
- Choose the contractor carefully. The contractor you choose to work with is just as important as you equipment you choose to purchase. Select a heating and cooling contractor with the requisite experience and know-how to size and install your new A/C professionally.
- Seek an ideal installation location. A cool, shady area is best to keep operating costs down. However, airflow is the most important consideration when choosing where to install the new air conditioner. It should have several feet of room on all sides and at least four feet above it to generate the airflow required for peak efficiency.
For more information about buying a new A/C for your Wichita Falls area home, please contact James Lane. With experience dating back to 1957, you know you can trust our expertise to help you make a wise investment.
