When purchasing a new home air conditioner, it's important to consider various factors. As the owner of an air conditioning company in St.petersburg, FL, I understand the significance of this investment. Choosing the right company and brand, understanding the SEER rating, and asking the right questions to company representatives are all essential.
In today's digital age, the internet can provide a wealth of information about air conditioning companies in the Tampa Bay area. However, one of the challenges we face as business owners is finding installers and technicians who take genuine pride in their work, as well as sales representatives who uphold ethical and moral values.
Having worked for other air conditioning companies in the St.petersburg area in the past, I've encountered my fair share of pushy salespeople. While sales are important for any business, it's crucial to allow potential clients the time to make well-considered decisions, particularly when it involves a significant financial commitment. Sales representatives should be able to communicate effectively with customers while maintaining honesty and integrity.
I've personally experienced the frustration of being an installer and feeling pressured by salespeople to install units that may not be suitable for a particular space or to replace relatively new systems. This not only created a stressful work environment, but also left me with a sense of guilt. It was experiences like these that motivated me to establish my own air conditioning company in St.petersburg, Florida.
Throughout my years of experience in this industry, I've witnessed numerous issues stemming from poor decisions made during the sales process. While I recognize the importance of sales in our industry, honesty and integrity are fundamental values that I uphold in my business. I believe that leaving customers feeling satisfied and confident in their decisions is crucial, and this is something that extends to those who represent my company.
Which brand should I choose?
I would like to start by saying that the longevity of an air conditioning unit depends largely on the technician responsible for its installation."Are they following the necessary installation procedures when installing your new air conditioning system?"
I had a customer recently tell me, "I did a lot of research, and these are the best air conditioner brands," as he showed me a list of manufacturing companies on his computer screen. I couldn't help but chuckle inside. Who wrote that? What makes them the best? Did an experienced HVAC technician write that or just someone random writing a blog online? I've been installing and servicing air conditioners for a little over ten years.
When it comes to entry-level systems, there aren't a ton of differences. Many of them use the same major parts. I guess the biggest difference would be how well they are assembled. I'm trying to write this without insulting any specific brand, but a lot of the time I get phone calls from customers asking which brands we install. Our first choice is Grandaire air conditioing sytems. but we can install any system that YOU prefer.
The next common question is, "What's a Grandaire?" Honestly, it's manufactured by the same company as Carrier, but our Grandaire rep says we shouldn't say that. "Wait… what, you don't install Carrier or Trane?" No, normally we do not, but again, we can. I'll be honest, most of my customers have only heard of Trane or Carrier, and that's most likely because they've been on the market the longest. Carrier invented air conditioning, so I understand that one.
As an HVAC business in St.petersburg, Fl. I could pick any brand to sell, but I choose to promote ICP products. Why? Because their units are durable and installer-friendly while remaining affordable. I've thought about switching to Trane many times because honestly, I'm tired of explaining why a Grandaire is just as good as any other air conditioning system.
One of the main reasons I haven't made the full switch is because of the great customer service our local distributors provide. If I were to get a damaged system, faulty part, or have any other concerns, I can call my rep at any time, and he always gives us his best efforts to find a solution in a timely fashion. I've serviced and installed every brand out there. A lot of what causes problems is poor installation. Plain and simple. I do my very best to ensure quality installation.
WHAT'S A SEER RATING?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. When you purchase a new home appliance, it will typically have a sticker displaying its SEER rating. This applies to appliances such as washing machines, water heaters, and air conditioners. A higher SEER rating means greater savings on your electric bill.
I often ask homeowners about their electric bill. If your bill is low, such as $80 with solar panels, buying an 18 SEER air conditioning unit may not provide a good return on investment. Higher SEER-rated systems are more expensive, so they are better suited for homeowners with high electricity bills. However, it's important to ensure that your home has adequate attic insulation, sealed windows with a good R-value, and well-sealed ductwork.
As the SEER rating increases, you will notice differences in the units available. For instance, a 16 SEER unit can come with either a single-speed or multiple-speed compressor. Higher SEER units come at a higher price. If a higher SEER unit is not what you are looking for, we will be honest with you and explain all the details thoroughly.
On average, air conditioners in in the Tampa Bay are last 10-15 years, and most manufacturers offer a ten-year parts warranty.
"My ultimate goal is to provide honest customer service and high-quality work. With my extensive experience in this industry, I would never install an air conditioning system that I believe would fail prematurely. I hope this blog will provide some insight when purchasing a new air conditioning system in the Tampa Bay area.".