How To Choose The Best Air Conditioning Installer
Looking to install air conditioning in your home, or simply replace your existing system? There’s certainly more to getting the best out of your air con than simply choosing the unit. Here in Australia where the summers can be particularly searing, the right air conditioner installer can ensure your system operates with maximum efficiency and effectiveness no matter what the season.
A good installer does more than simply fit the system. They make sure your air conditioning is tailored both to the layout of your home and your unique needs. It’s all about maximising efficiency and minimising running costs. So let’s explore what you need to know to choose the best air conditioning installer who will keep the process easy and stress-free.
Understanding Your Needs
One of the first questions to ask yourself is arguably one of the most important. What exactly do you want from your air conditioning? There’s more to it than merely keeping cool in summer and warm in winter - you need to consider whether the system is the right fit for your home.
For example, do you need a system to cool just a single room or something that conditions the air throughout your entire home? This can determine whether you opt for split system air conditioning, which is better suited to individual spaces, or a ducted system that takes care of the whole house. Once you’ve resolved that question, you need to consider things like the size of your space, your lifestyle, and even your aesthetic preferences.
Essentially it comes down to determining which system best meets your needs. A system that is as effective as it is efficient and blends effortlessly with your home’s overall vibe. Once you’ve locked this down, the rest of the process becomes just that little bit easier.
Researching Potential Installers
Beginning the search for the right air con installer can seem a touch overwhelming at first, but knowing where to look certainly helps.
Word of mouth from family or friends who may have recently had air conditioning installed can be a great starting point. Searching online, whether on Google or going directly to known reputable providers like https://www.metropolitanairconditioning.com.au can also go a long way to finding the right team for the job. Seek out service providers with consistent positive reviews and a strong online presence. Ideally, you want to find someone who isn’t just capable of doing the job but can do it well and repeatedly at that.
Verifying Credentials and Experience
So at this point, you might have put together a bit of a shortlist of air conditioning installers to follow up on. Now it’s time to do a little research on them.
Here in Australia, anyone in the business of air conditioning installation must carry the right licences and certifications. This is not negotiable. Find out whether they have the necessary accreditations to work with the particular type of system you’re looking at. For example, any split or ducted system that relies on refrigerant gases must be installed by a technician with a Refrigerant Handling Licence issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council.
Equally as important is experience. A technician with a few years of installation experience under their belt is more likely to understand the nuances of various systems and how they affect performance in your home. You can typically count on a seasoned professional to truly get your system running at its best from the get-go.
Understanding Quotes and Cost Estimates
Once you’ve done a little research and determined which air conditioning installers tick the necessary boxes, it’s time to get some quotes. Getting at least 3 detailed quotes is always the best approach. It’s less about the bottom line - as important as that might be - and more about knowing the bang you’re getting for your proverbial buck.
A detailed quote should outline everything, from the purchase cost of the air conditioning system (if not already bought) to the fees for installation plus any other follow-up services. Look for an installation provider who offers upfront, fixed-price quotes, and who is willing to answer any questions you may have.
Evaluating the Warranty and Aftercare Service
Once you’ve collected a few quotes and whittled down that shortlist a little further, it’s important to consider how warranty and aftercare service provisions affect your choice. After all, you want some assurance that if something goes wrong with your air con post-installation, the installer in question will back up their work with a strong warranty.
Having that confidence, both in the warranty and aftercare service offerings, allows you to rest easy knowing that you’re covered should anything go wrong.
Making the Final Decision
Coming to a final decision about which air conditioner installer you’ll ultimately go with is much like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. The pieces are essentially everything we’ve discussed here - their expertise, their licensing and credentials, customer reviews, quotes and warranty provisions. With all these pieces, it’s now time to determine how they fit. It’s time to settle on an installer.
As we said at the beginning, consider your specific needs and how you feel the installer’s expertise, quote and post-installation support aligns with that. You also want to deal with an installation technician who offers open communication and transparency. Someone who makes you feel at ease and as comfortable as you should soon be with the air conditioning itself. Trust your gut; if all the pieces of the puzzle fit together, you've likely found your ideal installer.
