You know the old addage, "You get what you pay for!" There's a reason why it's repeated often, and that's because it's true. And when it comes to HVAC units, it applies as well. And when it comes to the larger, big name brands such as Goodman, York, Bryant, Carrier, and Trane the differences will be slight. It's really about the quality of what you are purchasing and the installation.
Here at A-1 American, we believe that it's more about the quality of the company that's installing it that will make the difference. This is a long-term investment, and you want to make sure it's installed correctly. Otherwise, it could be the best, top-performing, unit offered world-wide, but it's not going to give you the performance you're looking for if it's not installed correctly; and worse, it may damage the unit itself if installed improperly. The top brands don't work with just any company, they want a company that's going to represent--and install--their product WELL! We are proud to offer units from Goodman, American Standard, York, Comfort Aire, Trane, and ICP to name a few. In fact, A-1 American installs most brands offered. If we don't install it, there's a reason why we don't install it.
Make sure to check out the energy efficiency rating applied to your potential unit. You want to make sure the unit you are choosing will give you the most bang for your buck, and that means making sure the
EnergyStar rating is a good one. Whatever unit you decide on, it will make up roughly half of your heating and cooling costs, so you want to ensure it is using energy efficiently. In addition, your HVAC unit will be one of the most costly pieces of standard equipment in your home. You will want to make sure its a good quality and will last you at least 15-20 years.
A few things to consider...
- Does it have a programmable thermostat? If you're shopping the top-tier brands, this will be a given. Most can be controlled by your phone these days to enhance the convenience.
- Energy Efficiency. Choosing a unit that will reduce your cost as much as possible is paramount. Remember, this will make up almost half of your monthly electric bill.
- Noise level. We all want to be comfy , but no one wants to hear it. Do your research and read the reviews! Or better yet, ask your HVAC technician/company what their experience is with the unit you're looking at, which leads us to the last point...
- HVAC recommended. This reads for itself. We are always happy to give our advice over the phone while you're doing your research and we can possibly save you not only money, but time!
Remember your maintenence as well! Keep your unit clean, service it regularly with the seasons, and seal and insulate the ducts. Last, but certainly not least, hire a company that knows what they're doing and can recommend the best unit for YOUR home. Give A-1 American Services a call with any questions, we are happy to help!
Call 757-425-2400 and ask to speak with a technician today!
