Air conditioning is an essential commodity of our lives. It’s not just about being comfortable in hot weather — according to the New York Times, studies are increasingly showing that both health and productivity rise significantly if indoor temperature is cooled when it’s hot outside!
Willis Carrier designed the first air conditioner in 1902. Today, 100 million homes in the United States currently have central air conditioning installed. If your air conditioner breaks, it can be hard to feel comfortable in your own home, and it can be even worse if the air conditioner breaks at your workplace. That’s why finding the right air conditioning contractor for you is so important. Here are five things you should look for when hiring an air conditioning contractor:
1. ACCA membership: Before you hire a contractor for home or commercial air conditioning repair, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re members of ACCA — Air Conditioning Contractors of America. ACCA is a nonprofit organization that maintains standards and quality in the industry and helps small businesses get customers.
2. Going green: Refrigerators and air conditioners are the biggest energy consumers in the typical American house. Air conditioners, in particular, have been notorious for expelling coolants into the air, which are damaging to the ozone layer and contribute to global climate change. However, many air conditioning manufacturers have started to switch from the old standard refrigerant, R-22, to the more environmentally-friendly R-410A. Look for a contractor who will be able to perform an AC unit replacement so you can stay cool without warming the planet!
3. Low AC installation cost: If you’re looking to get an AC unit installation in your home, it’s important to find a contractor who can install the unit at a low AC installation cost. When recent research has shown that the typical American homeowner spends anywhere from $507 to $703 on central air conditioning repairs, it’s important to save money on AC installation costs and repair costs wherever you can.