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When you purchase a new Air Conditioning system, you expect high performance. Unfortunately, more than half of the new HVAC systems in US homes do not perform to their rated efficiency as a result of improper installation. In fact, an improper AC installation can reduce performance by as much as 30%. This not only affects your utility bills, but can lead to a variety of home comfort problems, including insufficient dehumidification, dust from leaking ductwork, and poor air distribution.
AC Installation Bid Comparison Checklist
Ask the AC contractors bidding for your business if they follow ENERGY STAR® Quality Installation Guidelines (www.energystar.gov/qispec) to ensure that you are not buying just a piece of equipment but a properly installed heating and cooling system that provides comfort and efficiency.
Ask Your AC Contractor the Following Questions:
| Contractor A: ECM Brand: ______ Ton: ______ SEER: ______ |
Contractor B: ________ Brand: ______ Ton: ______ SEER: ______ |
Contractor C: ________ Brand: ______ Ton: ______ SEER: ______ |
| EQUIPMENT | ECM | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will you perform a complete home survey and energy assessment? | Yes | ||
| Will you match the right equipment for my home using the Manual J Heat Load Calculation? | Yes | ||
| Will your engineering and system design maximize my equipment’s efficiency and performance? | Yes | ||
| Will your warranty provide an unconditional money back guarantee for 30 days no matter what? | Yes | ||
| ELECTRICAL | ECM | B | C |
| Will you inspect the fuse box for proper wiring, wire size and circuit breaker size? | Yes | ||
| Will you upgrade the electrical wiring and circuit breakers if necessary according to code? | Yes | ||
| Does your price include all necessary electrical work and permits? | Yes | ||
| DUCTWORK | ECM | B | C |
| Will you make modifications / recommendations about my existing ductwork that will improve the performance of my AC? | Yes | ||
| Will you modify my return air grill to increase return air performance and airflow? | Yes | ||
| Will you visually inspect my duct work for damage and air leaks? | Yes | ||
| Will you repair all air leaks you identify with metal foil tape and mastic with joint compound? | Yes | ||
| Will you replace the first four feet of my supply and return duct work plenum? | Yes | ||
| MECHANICAL | ECM | B | C |
| Will you fasten my condenser to the concrete slab using approved anchors that meet code? | Yes | ||
| Will you install a new electrical whip and new wire from the new condenser to the disconnect box? | Yes | ||
| Will you pull all necessary permits required for my air conditioning installation? | Yes |
¹Proper equipment size is vital for maximizing efficiency and comfort. To size your new system, the contractor should calculate your home’s heating and cooling loads using the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J or equivalent.
²Your contractor should provide an Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) certificate to document that your system was properly matched.
³Duct sealing is essential to the operation of your heating and cooling system, it is most cases it’s recommended that total duct leakage be no more than 20%.
