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Choosing the Right Air Conditioner for Your Home

person checking AC unit
person checking AC unit
person checking AC unit

Wondering how to find the right air conditioner for your home? Learn why hiring an experienced contractor can make a difference.

You usually buy a new air conditioning unit when the old one breaks down. Unfortunately, this can mean you need to act quickly, which can result in overspending. Use this guide to help you decide if you need a new air conditioner (AC) unit and how to find one that fits your needs and budget.

Starting the search

Most AC units will only last seven to 10 years. While there are older ones that keep chugging along, those are the exception and not the norm – and they’re probably not running very efficiently.

So when that seven to 10 year mark hits and your AC unit breaks down (maybe for the second or third time),  find a HVAC contractor who will take the time to examine your AC unit, your house, ductwork, and your entire HVAC system. You want this contractor to complete a thorough examination to determine your current unit and future needs.

What to ask

Here are a few key questions you want the contractor to consider when evaluating your AC unit:

Outside the home

  • Why is the system being replaced?
  • Has the old unit cooled to your satisfaction on the hottest days?
  • What is the designated temperature you want to keep your home at?
  • What is the current Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of the system?
  • Is the existing system R22 or R410A?
  • Are you attempting to obtain the Federal Tax Credit?
  • Is your attic insulation to current building code?
  • Does anyone in your family experience allergies or sensitivities?

Inside the home

  • Is the ductwork the original ducting from when the home was built?
  • Have any additions been made to your home since it was originally built?
  • Have your ducts ever been cleaned?
  • Are you experiencing any mold issues or odors like spots on the grills?
  • Will a condensate pump be required?
     

For more information about finding an experienced contractor who can help you find the right air conditioner unit for your home, view our cooling protection plans. 

 

Browse our protection plans

Our plans give you lots of options, so you can get just what you need for your home without paying for coverage you don't need.

Shop our protection plans

Terms and conditions contained in the protection plans may limit our contract obligations due to coverage caps, coverage exclusions, and our cash back offer. View plan details for more information.

*Repair claims are limited to $500 per service call and $2,000 per plan in the aggregate per plan term. Plans are provided by NRG Protects Inc. Independent contractors will be performing various services under the plans. In some instances we may make a cash payment in lieu of repairs or replacement in the amount of actual cost, which may be less than retail, to repair or replace any covered system, component, or appliance.

**If your authorized repair technician determines that the water heater is deemed irreparable, we will give you a credit of $500 towards a replacement water heater by your authorized repair technician.

Once repair plans commence, there is a 30-day waiting period before you may request services for a claim. Unless the plan provider elects not to renew the plan, upon expiration of the first year, the plan will automatically renew at the standard rate and terms unless you opt out of the auto-renewal option in writing by mail at P.O. Box 2309, Houston, TX 77252- 2309, by email at cancel@nrgprotects.com or by calling us at 1.855.241.9094. Sales tax will be added in select states.

This is a summary of what the provider will and will not cover under the plan, and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the plan. The Terms and Conditions may limit the provider's contractual obligations due to coverage caps, coverage exclusions and any cash-back option available under the plan. Please refer to the Sample Terms & Conditions for details.