A good HVAC contractor in Troutdale, OR will be more than happy to answer every single one of your questions. On top of the usual questions like “how much will this cost?” and “Do I really need this or that?” we have a few more questions you can add to your list.
With these questions, our goal is to help you save some time and money in the long run. In our experience, brand-new air conditioning owners end up asking these questions at some point—better to answer them now than later.
“Do I Need a New Thermostat?”
A good thermostat is going to last you a really long time. Because of this, however, you might still be using a thermostat that only works well enough. For example, if your thermostat is controlled by a slide or a dial without any kind of digital panel, it’s too old to guarantee efficiency.
The next step up would be a digital thermostat. These thermostats typically come equipped with programmability, meaning you can create your own heating and cooling schedules. That means no more having to remember to turn the air on or off during odd hours of the day, and no more forgetting.
Digital thermostats, alone, will open you to the world of programmable temperatures. The next step is a big one. If you’re interested in total home automation—truly effortless automation—then a Smart or WiFi thermostat will be worth asking about.
“Should I Replace the Ducts?”
Asking this question makes sense if it’s been a very long time since your ducts have seen any kind of service. Ducts can become dirty enough over time that they actively contribute to poor indoor air quality, and it’s not impossible that they’ve developed some leaks or tears along the way.
You’ll also want to ask to make sure that your current duct system is going to work well with your new AC. The power and size of an air conditioner will be determined by several factors, and their duct system will be installed to reflect that decision. Your new AC is most likely going to have a higher SEER rating than the one before it, so you’ll want to upgrade the ducts to fulfill that potential SEER rating.
“How’s My Air Quality?”
It’s not necessary to know your air quality before installing an AC, but if you or some family members suffer from allergies or asthma, it will definitely help.
That’s because a new air conditioner isn’t going to improve your current air quality levels. If your home suffers from contaminants and allergens like mold, pet dander, or chemicals, an AC isn’t going to fix that on its own. Depending on what contaminants are circulating around your home, you may want to consider certain air filtration options, like UV lights or air cleaners. We can’t tell you for certain, but an air quality test from a certified HVAC technician will be able to.