Questions to Ask During Air Conditioning Installation

When you are investing in a new air conditioning unit for your home, it is important to know that your money is being spent wisely. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right air conditioner for your home, from making sure it fits the bill for what you need it to do, to understanding the maintenance and upkeep of your new system.

At TSR, we understand that most people will not know what to consider when choosing and installing a new air conditioner. You can use this article as a guide to get the most out of your air conditioner in the long term, as well as to research the company that is supplying and fitting it. If your installer is being unhelpful and won’t answer these questions, it might be a sign to go elsewhere.

1. How long have you been in business for?

It is important to perform some due diligence on the company that is installing your air conditioner so that you can be assured that they are doing the work to a high standard. Ask about the business, how long have they been established for and try to get some references of their previous work in the area.

2. Do you have a license?

Australia requires all air conditioning installers to hold a valid refrigerant handling license – does your installer have this? Some companies will use subcontractors to perform their work, which can be a problem when it comes to warranties and culpability should anything go wrong. Ideally, they should be a direct employee of the company.

3. Do you offer maintenance?

Ask if the installer will be able to provide maintenance to the air conditioner after installation. If they do, this can help make warranties more streamlined, and servicing should be easier as the installers definitely understand the unit. Another thing to query is how long the job will take, as you should have assurances that the work will be completed to a set timescale.

4. What is the best air conditioner for my needs?

Air conditioner installers should be knowledgeable about the units they are fitting, so try to ask about why this air conditioner is best suited for you. Things like efficiency, ease of use, and the type of refrigerant that it uses are good to know and can help you make an informed decision. Operating costs are another variable to ask about, as they will vary depending on the unit and how it is being used in your home.

5. Where can I find spare parts?

Ask about spare parts and where to get them if you need them down the line. Are they supplied by the installation company or the manufacturer? Ideally, you should be able to source these parts from the manufacturer, but a less established company might not have spare parts available. Also, try to assess the warranty for the unit as well as the installation, how long does it last and who is responsible for fitting any replacement parts?

Asking the right questions about your air conditioner can save you a lot of stress down the road, so it is useful to get answers straight from the source. Installers should be able to help with these questions, so for your own benefit, try to find out as much about the company and the air conditioner to help you make an informed decision.