Jumping on the Brand Wagon
While most air conditioning and heating contractors promote one specific brand of equipment, think twice about selecting a contractor who refuses to sell any alternative brands. While the brand they sell may be a reputable one, it may not be the best choice for your situation or your budget. As with cars, different makes and models of air conditioners and heaters have different strengths and weaknesses. Some are more dependable than others, some quieter, some more economical to purchase up front, some maintain their efficiency over a longer period of time, some come with better warranties than others, some will fit better than others in your existing space, and some are better known than others. A highly advertised brand may be the way to go if you live in an upscale neighborhood and plan to sell your house in the near future. If you plan to stay put for another ten years, a less known, less expensive, but equally dependable brand would be a better choice.
An air conditioning contractor who is not tied exclusively to a single brand but who sells several different brands can assess your existing HVAC system and take your personal short term and long term needs and your budget into consideration and then advise you of your options. A reputable contractor will steer you away from any brand that has a poor track record and from any manufacturer which does not stand behind its warranties.
For liability reasons, we are unable to list the pros and cons of different brands of equipment on our webiste. However, if you live in our service area (The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery County, Willis, Kingwood) and are in the market for air conditioning or heating equipment, we will be glad to send a qualified technician out to your home or your place of business to analyze your needs, recommend a suitable brand or brands, and provide you with a free estimate. If you live outside our service area, you should consult a reputable contractor in your area.
Consumer Reports is a good third-party objective source when it comes to researching the reliability, strengths, and weaknesses of the various makes and models of the air conditioning and heating equipment presently on the market.
One final word of advice: avoid purchasing equipment online and having it shipped to you. There are two pitfalls to this approach. One, if the equipment is purchased for installation by anyone other than a licensed contractor, the manufacturer may not stand behind its warranty. The other is that you may have difficulty finding a reputable contractor to install it.
|
Energy Saving Tips
How Your Air Conditioner Works
How Your Heater Works
How Your Heat Pump Works
Selecting an Air Conditioner
Selecting a Heater
Things to Check When Your Air Conditioner Isn't Cooling
Controlling Mold
|
