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Tips Before Buying an AC System

Who DOESN’T want the best price, especially when purchasing a relatively high-ticket item like a central air conditioning system. We all do!  But if experience is worth its salt, you eventually learn to ask yourself: “Does the lowest price always equal the best deal?”

Here’s a case in point. Let’s say you’re planning to replace a home cooling OR heating system. You start by getting 3 quotes from local and reputable firms but, in the 11^th hour, the employee from one such HVAC contractor contacts you and offers to beat your lowest price by 25% if you hire him directly for the job.  You know, a little moonlighting. Anyway, if you except his offer, you can save $1,500 from the previously low bid of $6,000. Hard to turn down, right?

Well, you should turn it down, and for some very solid reasons:

• Chances are you don’t know much if anything about this moonlighter, except that he’s willing to stab his employer in the back, figuratively speaking.  So, how much loyalty can you expect from him should anything go wrong with the installation?

• You have no way of knowing if he’s licensed, and you can bet he’s neither insured nor registered with the Better Business Bureau.

• How do you expect to register for your manufacturer warranty when you’re already sworn to secrecy on the identity of your installer?  You can’t.

There are even more lessons to be learned from such a possibility, but you get the idea. And, once again, lowest price doesn’t always equal the best deal. Of equal if not greater significance are experience, favorable reviews, reputation, longevity, proper licensing and insurance, among others. And let’s not forget system guarantees and the manufacturer’s warranty.  As in, don’t sign off on the deal until you’ve seen them in writing.

Here at Messmer Mechanical, we’re not telling you we’re the best in the business…that’s for you to decide. But we do know our stuff, we’re well trained to do it, and your family’s comfort, safety, and convenience remain out top priorities.  As for value, we’ll give you multiple new system options so you can choose the one that suits you best.  For a free in-home consultation and new system proposal, contact Messmer Mechanical today.