Air Conditioning

Selecting A Cathedral City AC Contractor | 92234, 92235

When the Cathedral City desert sun beats down in the summer, you need a quality air conditioner keeping you cool, and doing it efficiently. However selecting an air conditioning contractor can be a forboding process. We're here to help:

Where To Begin
Before you buy A/C products or services, start by reviewing dealers and look for a Cathedral City AC Contractor who is experienced with your specific needs and requirements. The HVAC requirements of a restaurant differ from other environments as a restaurant has to control odors that linger on clothing. Similarly a music instrument shop has humidity control requirements to protect their products.

Indoor air quality plays heavy into your system's requirements. For homeowners, if you have a modern house built to new air tight efficiency regulations, indoor air quality components are more of a necessity than an option. If you are opening a salon you have chemicals that need to be filtered from the air. Again, choose a specialized HVAC dealer. Do not let a heating and cooling technician learn at your expense.

Cheaper Is Not Better
The cheapest equipment will not save you money. Avoid those who promote only the lowest price - this can end up costing you substantially in higher energy bills and required air conditioning repair. Air conditioners and heat pumps have efficiency ratings called (SEER, HSPF) which dictate the amount you will spend on monthly energy bills. Additionally, an air conditioner not properly installed can not operate at the efficiency level it was design to.

Ask Around
How long have they been in business? Can they supply you with references here in Cathedral City similar to your specific indoor comfort control and indoor air quality needs? Ask others in your area who they used and whether they would recommend them for new products or air conditioning repair. Again, you want someone experienced with a good reputation - not someone that is learning the ropes on your A/C installation.

Get Informed
If a Cathedral City based air conditioning contractor asked you if you prefer an air conditioner or heat pump, would you know what to say? Read up on the different indoor comfort control components so you can ask educated questions and make confident decisions that will pay off long term.

The 10 Points To Remember | www.energystar.gov

1. Study up - Before you buy A/C services, find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in California. And before you call a Cathedral City dealer, know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Also make note of any uncomfortable rooms. This will help potential dealer better understand your cooling needs.

2. Ask for referrals - Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for referrals. You can also contact local trade organizations for names of members in your area.

3. Call references - Ask an HVAC dealer for customer references and call them. Ask about the dealer's installation or service performance, and if the job was completed on time and within budget.

4. Find special offers - An indoor comfort control system is one of the largest purchases you'll make as a homeowner. Keep your costs down by checking around for available rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified equipment. Begin your search at www.energystar.gov.

5. Look for ENERGY STAR - ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings. Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment.

6. Expect a home evaluation - The AC technician should spend significant time inspecting your current system and home to assess your needs. A bigger system isn't always better; they should also size the heating and cooling system based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows. A good technician will inspect your duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and measure airflow to make sure it meets manufacturers specifications.

7. Get written, itemized estimates - When comparing proposals (bids), be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. A lowest price may not be the best deal if it's not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher.

8. Get it in ink - Sign a written proposal before you buy A/C products or work gets started. It'll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.

9. Pass it on - Tell friends and family about ENERGY STAR. Almost one-quarter of households knowingly purchased at least one qualified product last year, and 71% of those consumers say they would recommend ENERGY STAR to a friend. Spread the word, and we can all make a big difference.

10. Get the ENERGY STAR Guide - For complete information on keeping your home comfortable year-round:

Energy Star Guide to Efficient Heating and Cooling


ENERGY STAR Guide to Energy Efficient Cooling and Heating

Energy Star Guide to Efficient Heating and Cooling


Guía para la Eficiencia de Energía en la Calefacción y el Aire Acondicionado


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