Before Buying a Central Air Conditioning Unit, Read These Tips

If your central air conditioning unit barely cools your home, or does nothing at all, you're probably frustrated and hoping you don't need to buy a new one. You may have tried cleaning it, flushing it or even kicking it, to no avail.  If it's an older version, the service man probably wants to charge you an arm and leg to repair your unit.  If you've decided it's time to buy a new central air conditioning unit, here are some tips that may save you money own the road.   

Tip #1 - What Type of Air Conditioner Do You Need?

Most hardware or appliance stores carry several brands of central air conditioning units.   Some sales associates will try to sell you a window air conditioning unit.  These window air conditioners are a waste of money! They usually only cool one room and they use a lot of power, making your utility bill skyrocket.  Remember that if your objective is to keep an entire house or condo with multiple rooms cool, you want a central air unit. Do not let the sales associate trick you into anything else.

Blurb Alert! If you need more information on home improvement ideas, be sure to use our search function at the top of the page to find the best prices on books, electronic books and audio tapes and CDs.  The search is programmed to call up the latest eBay auctions for specific items that you're seeking.

Tip #2 - Ask About Installation of Your Central Air Conditioning Unit

Most people do not want to crawl under, over, around, and through the walls of their house or on the roof to install a new air conditioner. Most places that sell these units also install them for you. Some vendors will install your central air conditioning system free of charge with the purchase of a new unit. Even if they don’t do it free, you should get someone to professionally install your new unit. It will save you time and frustration. If the vendor does not offer installation, you may want to look elsewhere to purchase your unit. It is much easier and cost efficient to get everything done in one step.

Tip #3 - Your Air Conditioner's Temperature Settings

Most new central air conditioning units come with a new thermostat. You should make sure this thermostat can create the ideal temperature that suits you and your family. If you are comfortable in a room that is 60°, then make sure the unit will cool to that temperature. You also need to make sure you can increase and decrease the temperature in 1 or 2 degree increments just in case you are not comfortable.

Tip #4 - Consider the Central Air Conditioning Unit Filtering System

There are many filters out there today. The permanent filters are your best value. You simply take them out, hose them down, and stick them back in. They save you a lot of money every year, not to mention you don’t have to keep track of what size you need. Just remember to clean the filters once a month. Before buying your air conditioner, ask about the filters.

Tip #5 - Is Your Air Conditioner an Energy Saver?

You should also look to see if your new unit has a sleep setting or an energy saving setting. Some units will come with an auto set feature that will kick the unit on when the temperature reaches 72 or 75 degrees, or whatever other temperature you specify. This can save you money when you are away at work or on vacation.  Your central air conditioning unit will run at a minimal level when you are sleeping or not home, saving money on your electric bill.  Added up, this can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars per year. 

Before buying a central air conditioning unit, you might want to check around on the Internet to see what kind of units are available and what they cost.  This will help you be better prepared to deal with sales people and to ask the right questions. 

"Before Buying a Central Air Conditioning Unit, Read These Tips" contributed by Morgan Jackson