With the arrival of summer, you don't have time to deal with an AC that is malfunctioning. Now is the perfect time to check into a local AC install service to ensure you're not caught in a heat wave without cooling protection. There are many professionals to consider, and you want to properly narrow down your choices to find the right one. Here is your guide to hiring a reliable AC install service.

Consult with People You Know

According to the EIA, about 87% of American homes have air conditioning. Therefore, the people in your inner circle are likely to have an HVAC system. You can consult with them to see if they have a reliable AC install service to recommend. Ask friends, family, or even neighbors you're friendly with. If you're part of an HOA association, don't be shy about communicating with other members to ask for a contractor referral.

Do Local Searches

Even if you get direct referrals from people you trust, you can always expand your potential contractor list by doing local searches. You can narrow the focus down to AC professionals within a certain mile range. This will help you find heating and cooling contractors in your immediate area. When you use the Google business search, it will often show how many stars a business has been rated, along with associated reviews. Additionally, explore local business directories and community forums to find more recommendations and insights.

Gather Several Quotes

Remember, you don't have to stick with the first AC contractor you speak to. You also don't have to automatically hire the referral provided by someone you know. This is all part of your overall search, and you can narrow down who is worth considering talking to. The best way to do so is by gathering several quotes to see who meets your budget. In addition to pricing, consider other features such as their years of expertise, reviews, how quickly they can do the installation, and how well they've communicated with you so far.

Use Reviews and References

Solid reviews are a good way to see if a contractor is worth your time. You should check the contractor's website and Google Reviews to determine their quality of service based on previous customers' statements. They may even have other social media, and you can see how well viewers engage with them, if at all. Once you've narrowed down your last few contractors, you can ask them for references so you can talk to other clients.

Ask About Range of Systems

Luckily, there is more than one AC system to choose from. These days, the word of the day is energy efficiency. By using energy-efficient appliances, you can potentially save money on your monthly energy bills. During hot weather, your HVAC system may dominate your electrical bills, so anything you can do to reduce your monthly expenditure can help your wallet and the environment. If you have a multiple-floor home or people who have different temperature tolerances, you may also be interested in a mini-ductless system. A mini-ductless system allows you to install individual units in different rooms or zones that link to the main unit installed outside. The AC install company should be able to give you a thorough overview of the options available and which one may be best for you and your home.

Get a Written Agreement

Once you've got things narrowed down to your contractor of choice, always get a written estimate of all expenses. Review it to make sure that there are no hidden fees you don't understand. The written agreement should include terms related to the warranty, materials used, payment options, and any other important information.

As you can see, getting a new AC install should involve several steps. After all, based on our professional experience, a quality HVAC system can last about 10 years with proper care. You don't want a unit to fail on you at the wrong time because you got a poor installation from an unreputable contractor. When you want a reliable AC professional, look no further than Rutty & Morris Air Conditioning! We can handle both residential and commercial properties. If you live in the Texas area, contact us any time for a consultation.