Buying an air conditioner for your home or office is a major investment. One wrong decision can affect the quality of your living or working space and cost you thousands of dollars. A single AC unit should last at least 10 years, which emphasizes the importance of choosing the ideal model.
Since there is a myriad of options to choose from, picking the right air conditioner can be challenging. However, if you avoid these mistakes when buying a new AC, you can get the best bang for your buck.
Weighing Price Over Quality
The biggest mistake you can make is weighing price over features and quality. Do not go for the cheapest appliance as the bills and servicing can make it an expensive investment in the long run. As mentioned, you need your AC to last at least 10 to 12 years, which may not be possible if you pick the cheapest model. In the end, you will have to spend double to replace the unit or get it repaired multiple times. Saving money is understandable, but not at the cost of buying an incompetent appliance that will dig deeper holes in your pocket.
Not Checking the Extra Features:
Today, most air conditioners come with extra features that give them an edge over their competitors. For example, while some offer air quality add-ons, others will provide smart connectivity. Check the extra features and pick a unit based on your needs. Along with this, note the type of AC you need. Even though split ACs are highly popular, you have the option to choose between window and centralized air conditioners. More importantly, check the type of refrigerant installed in the air conditioner as it determines the level of overheating and sustainability.
Picking the Wrong Size:
You should pick a unit based on the size of the space and your needs. Most people have the misconception that bigger units provide more cooling, which is not true. If you end up buying the wrong size for your home, you may have to pay higher bills and deal with poor air quality. While bigger units lengthen utility bills, smaller units do not provide optimum cooling. Take the age and size of your home into account. If you are still confused, consult your vendor to provide an estimate for the right AC size based on your house or office space.
Not Comparing Your Options:
You are in a hurry; we get it! However, picking the first option presented to you can affect the appliance’s efficiency and durability in the long run. Before you buy an AC, compare your options to learn more about the features, price, energy consumption, and maintenance factors. The dealer you choose also affects your purchasing decision on a major scale. Do not settle for the first dealer that you come across. While visiting vendors on site, it is highly recommended to see and touch different air conditioners, resorting to websites and online shops to buy one is also a viable option.
Since online stores are upping their game to provide the best virtual shopping experience, you can rely on them to pick the best product. To find the best deal, look for air conditioners on a website that deals with multiple brands to easily compare the prices and features of different models. You can also contact the dealer to know more about the air conditioner you are considering, and have it delivered to your doorstep.
Neglecting Energy Efficiency:
Considering the energy efficiency is a given when any kind of appliance, which is also the case with air conditioners. Do not neglect the aspect of energy efficiency as it will affect the environment and produce longer bills. The best way to determine the energy consumed by your preferred unit is by checking the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating, which should be higher than 16. Go for a unit with a higher number as it is comparatively more energy efficient. Even though it may cost more, the shorter utility bills will make up for the initial investment.
Hiring an Inexperienced Service Provider:
Even if you put a lot of thought into buying the best AC model, you may end up hiring an inexperienced or unqualified service provider to install, repair, and maintain your AC. This, in turn, can damage your newly-bought appliance and push your efforts and money down the drain. Do not hire a contractor just because they charge less; look for an experienced provider in your area and consult them for long-term maintenance and servicing.
You should immediately get in touch with AC repair professionals to properly service and repair your AC for the long term.
If you’re planning on buying a new air conditioner, try your best to avoid these mistakes to get the best deal and make your investment worthwhile. Make sure you compare your options, and remember, the best way to make an informed decision is by analyzing the most common mistakes consumers make and avoiding them.
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