How to Evaluate Contractors' HVAC
Replacement Quotes
How to Evaluate Contractors' HVAC Replacement Quotes
Differentiating contractor bids is an important step to save on your HVAC improvement project if your are replacing your air conditioner or upgrading the furnace. Evaluating multiple air conditioning replacement quotes helps homeowners stay within their budget and encourages contractors to be competitive with their pricing, which is especially important when more than 75 percent of American homes use air conditioning and almost all new homes get built with central air systems.
Evaluating HVAC replacement Quotes
Once you have received multiple quotations, you should carefully consider each. Your HVAC contractor's quote should be detailed, transparent, no matter if is somehow lengthy, stating what will take to replace you HVAC unit. Your quote should include all the necessary details, as materials, new AC equipment make and model, components, disposal of the old system and labor.
Investing in a new air conditioning and heating system can substantially lower your utility bill as a high efficiency HVAC system uses between 30 and 50 percent less energy to produce the same amount of cooling. According to the Department of Energy "Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20 to 40 percent of your cooling energy cost by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model" it predicts.
Your HVAC replacement quotes may vary
It is reasonable to assume that replacing an air conditioning and heating system means installing a new one sized similarly to the old one, but that is not always the case. Homeowners might expect the cost for HVAC replacement to come close to its initial installation, as well, but that is also not always the case. Advances in technology, not to mention new climate norms, HVAC market changes, and manufacturers’ costs could affect the availability and quality of systems meeting your needs. In turn, this means bids can be different.
Factors that will lead to a higher bid:
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Air conditioning replacements can vary in a drastic matter in price. These inconsistency could be due to the type of unit, for example, how efficient an air conditioning system is. We encourage homeowners to research the HVAC system that best suits their homes and needs.
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High end HVAC contractors will likely have more overhead and equipment.
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Air conditioners also differ in price depending on hardware other than the main units themselves. Warranties will also impact our quoted cost. Most companies offer manufacturer's warranties that protect you from faulty equipment. Some might offer additional guarantees for the installation as well. covering potential workmanship defects. Your quote should include the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of our new A/C equipment and what your contractor will or will not do in that regard. For example, if your installed HVAC system's SEER rating is lower than 14, the Department of Energy might flag your contractor for selling it. A SEER rating of 16 could mean saving upward of $400 annually for example.
Factors that will lead to a lower bid:
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Extremely low bidders may be desperate for a job, which is never a reassuring sign.
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When a contractor doesn't have all the necessary insurance (or any at all), they will often provide a lower bid. This may let the homeowner responsible for damages that occur. In consequence we recommend that homeowners always choose a licensed contractor for their home HVAC replacement.
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If a contractor does not have a solid grasp of local and federal codes they will subsequently lower their fees since they have less to worry about,a good contractor will assure you are energy compliance and maximize your return on investment utilizing expertise you may lack.
Find the Right Air Conditioning and Heating Contractor for you
Vetting your contractors will ensure you find the best, reliable HVAC company for your project.
Visit their website to ensure it is professional looking and updated. Check review sites and make sure they are accredited through the Better Business Bureau. If something feels off about a contractor or business, go with your gut. Remember that you can always negotiate with your contractor on the price before signing the contract. Lastly keep all your quotes and contracts in a folder so you can reference these details easily if you have any questions.
As a small family owned business, Reaction Air offers very competitive prices maintaining high quality standards. We are an experienced and knowledgeable contractor who is fully licensed, bonded and insured providing HVAC replacements at much affordable prices.