If you live in a hot climate, having air conditioning is important. Air conditioning helps to keep your home cool and comfy, which can help your mood, help you to sleep, and can even prevent serious conditions, such as heat exhaustion, that can occur if your home gets too hot. According to the U.S. Energy Information Association, nearly 90% of U.S. homes have air conditioning. But, traditional AC units are not the only AC systems that are available to you. Split AC systems are growing in popularity due to their energy savings. If you are looking to have one of these systems installed, here are five important questions to ask prior to signing a contract to have the system installed in your home.

1. How Much Experience Do You Have Installing Split AC Systems?

One of the first questions to ask prior to having a split system installed for your cooling needs is how much experience a cooling professional has installing these systems. Not every cooling company offers this type of system, nor does every company have a lot of experience installing them. You want to ensure you are working with a licensed and experienced professional. It is also important to note that some split AC manufacturers are certifying installation companies. If possible, find a certified installer for your system.

2. Is a Split AC System Right for My Cooling Needs?

A great air conditioning contractor will work with you to help you find the right cooling system for your home's needs. While there are numerous benefits associated with split AC systems, they are not ideal for every household. A great contractor will help you to understand if this type of system is right for your home. They should also be able to tell you why they feel this is the right system for your needs or why they feel a different cooling system may be the better option for your home.

3. What Types of Split AC Systems Do You Install?

When you are purchasing any type of cooling appliance, including a split air conditioning system, you should always ask an installation company whether they install specific manufacturer's products. Installation can vary slightly based on the company that manufactured the cooling system. Some companies focus on installing only one manufacturer's cooling systems, while other companies branch out and work with different makes and models. It is always important to ask if the contractor works with a specific brand or if they can install any brand of cooling system.

4. What Types of Maintenance Will My New Split System Need?

Prior to deciding if a split air conditioning system is right for you, it is important to learn about what type of care and maintenance the system will need. The needs of the system can vary based on the specific set-up of your system and the make and model of AC units that are installed. A great cooling contractor should always be able to tell you specific information in regards to what type of maintenance your unit will need both now and in the future. Paying attention to the maintenance needs can help you determine if the system may be right for your needs and the expectations you have when it comes to maintaining a cooling system.

5. Do You Warranty Your Work?

The final question that you should always ask prior to hiring a professional to install split AC systems is whether they warranty their work. Installers are human, and that means mistakes can be made. If a mistake is made, you need a company that stands behind their work and will come back and fix it. Always avoid companies that do not stand behind their work and do not guarantee or warranty the work they complete. It is important to note that the warranty from an installer extends to the labor completed, not to the AC system itself. The AC system will likely have a warranty from the manufacturer if it is new.

Split AC systems allow you to control what part of your home specifically is cooled, preventing you from paying to cool parts of your home that no one is currently occupying. This helps to help prevent excess wear to your AC system and helps to save on the energy usage that your AC system uses. If you are interested in learning more about split AC systems, including whether one may be right for you, reach out to Harding Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today to learn more.