7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New Air Conditioner

When it comes to choosing a new air conditioner, we’re all focused on value and quality. The trouble is we only make a purchase like this once a decade. Making the right choice can be confusing.

We’ve noticed several pitfalls that homeowners often encounter when choosing a new air conditioner. We don’t want you to fall into them too.

Read on 7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new air conditioner.

1. Buying the Wrong Size

When buying a new air conditioner, size should be your number one consideration. That’s because the wrong size can be more expensive to run and overtax the unit. 

This is true whether you buy an air conditioner that is too big or too small. In the case of air conditioners, bigger does not equal better.

The best air conditioner for your home is the one that was designed for your size of home. If you choose one designed for a larger home, you’ll get higher electricity bills. You’re also likely to experience mould from higher humidity, short cycle times, and damage to the air conditioner.

Too small an air conditioner will run in overdrive all the time. That’ll lead to machine failure and costly repairs.

The required cooling capacity (BTU) is based on the square footage of your house. Time to get out the tape measure and calculator and find out exactly what you need for your particular home.

2. Underestimating the Overall Cost

You may be trying to decide whether you can afford to replace your air conditioner now, or need to wait a while. It’s important to look beyond the cost of the air conditioner alone. It’s better to think in terms of the overall cost, including air conditioner maintenance.

Our specially designed online A/C cost calculator can help you to get a good ballpark figure. It’s no substitute for real quotes based on your home, but it’ll help you get an idea so that you can start planning your finances.

3. Not Thinking About Energy Efficiency

Every new air conditioner sold in Canada comes with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Models currently on the market range from a minimum of 10.0 to over 20.0. The higher the rating is, the more efficient the unit.

It’s a sound investment to buy a model with as high a SEER as you can afford. Not only is this environmentally friendly, but it also reduces your energy consumption. That means reduced bills for you for the lifetime of the system. This will likely help to offset any higher costs paid at the outset.

4. Not Shopping Around

If you’ve anxious to replace your air conditioner, it can be tempting to go for the first quote.

This is not to say that the first quote may not be the best. But you’ll never know until you’ve shopped around. Don’t just look at the unit and air conditioner installation costs. Compare warranties and guarantees. 

Check if they offer any aftercare packages. Ensure each one provides a full breakdown of costs and any additional expenses that you may be liable for. Also, request an indication of installation timescales from each.

It’s usually best to obtain at least three quotes to make an informed decision.

5. Choosing the Cheapest, Not the Best Value

A new air conditioner has an average lifespan of 10 years. So this may not be a buy once, buy right proposition if you’re planning on staying long-term in your house. But if you choose the cheapest model off the bat, you’ll likely have ten years of high energy bills to follow.

Research customer reviews to find out how much air conditioner maintenance the model you choose may need. This may include details of parts that frequently require replacing or repairing. If you do your homework, you’ll be rewarded down the line with far fewer air conditioner maintenance expenses.

6. Not Doing Your Homework

Air conditioners are not something we shop for every day. We probably don’t have as strong personal opinions on them as we would on whether we prefer a Mercedes or a Honda, for example.

But it’s well worth reading the reviews before choosing a system for your home. Remember, whichever one you choose, you’re going to be living with it for years to come. So you want to be happy with your choice. 

They evaluate factors such as SEER ratings, compressor style, and durability. They also help you with the important equation of value versus budget. A little homework now could save you a lot of headaches down the line.

7. Not Checking the Decibels

For some people, there’s nothing more soothing than the throbbing sound of their AC. For others, it can drive them to distraction.

If you or your family members fall into the second group, check out the sound rating when buying a new air conditioner. This is especially true if your bedroom is close to the outdoor unit. 

The Government of Canada recommends choosing an air conditioner with an outdoor sound rating of 7.6 B or lower. While this may not be a big deal for everyone, you don’t want to be cool enough to sleep well but kept awake by the whirring of the unit.

Keeping Cool – How to Get the Best New Air Conditioner for Your Home

Now you know the top 7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new air conditioner; you’re one step closer to getting the system of your dreams! 

At FurnacePrices.ca, we’re here to help you get a great deal on your next air conditioner from a company you can trust. We provide free quotes and estimates from reliable contractors, as well as guides and reviews to help you make the best choice.

Click here to compare quotes from certified local HVAC contractors in your area.

Or download our free guide below, with 7 MORE costly mistakes to avoid when buying a new heating & cooling system!

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