A central air conditioner replacement should address the indoor coil, outdoor unit, refrigerant circuit, airflow, and controls as a matched system. Current local prices are unavailable here; compare written bids that describe the same work and clearly identify exclusions.
Confirm the equipment match
Ask bidders to identify the exact outdoor condenser and indoor coil or air handler combination, capacity, and efficiency data. A component should not be assumed compatible simply because it connects to existing equipment; request documentation for the proposed match.
Efficiency ratings are useful only when comparing the same kind of system under the same rating convention. Ask for the applicable label or product documentation and have the contractor explain how the proposal meets the home’s cooling load.
Inspect distribution and installation conditions
The contractor should examine duct leakage, insulation, airflow, filter arrangement, and drainage as relevant to the system. Ask whether duct sealing or repairs are in the base bid, a separate option, or excluded.
Clarify whether the work includes refrigerant line evaluation or replacement, electrical disconnect and wiring, condensate drain modifications, equipment pad or mounting, removal, disposal, permits, and startup. Existing line sets should be evaluated against equipment requirements rather than accepted without inspection.
- Ask how airflow and refrigerant charge will be verified at commissioning.
- Confirm who coordinates any electrical or permit work and inspection.
Compare written proposals
Central cooling performance depends on system design and installation, not just the equipment label. Request the load calculation, equipment schedules, included labor, warranty terms, startup checklist, and the schedule for each proposal.
Current local prices are unavailable here. Obtain comparable written bids using the same equipment scope, duct assumptions, and electrical work. Ask bidders to list allowances and conditions that could change the total before authorizing work.
Sources & further reading
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