2020. What a year. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, national election, and civil rights protests, it has been a turbulent time, and one of change. So it makes sense that this is the year you need to buy a new ac. (Life can be funny like that.) Whether you’ve hit your limit with that simple oscillating fan, or your ac is broken, and you need to replace it, know that buying a new air conditioner is a big investment. Before you get overwhelmed, know that there is plenty of honest information online about how to make the best purchase. But there are a few specific things you need to know when purchasing a new ac unit in the midst of the Novel Coronavirus pandemic. Here’s how to buy an air conditioner in 2020.
Most folks are spending a lot more time at home these days. With many schools operating on hybrid or completely remote learning schedules, our kids are now practicing algebra in the living room. Many of us are working from home, as well. With more bodies in the house with greater frequency, we raise the temperature indoors without even trying! There are plenty of warm days ahead this year, and it it’s also important to note that working, learning, and playing from home may be the “new normal” for a long time. Increased use of lights, media devices, and yep, air conditioners, will likely increase the average amount of your energy bills.
If you have an old air conditioner, you may already be seeing sky-high numbers on your energy bill. Older models are not as energy efficient as new ac units. When buying an air conditioner, it pays to do the research on the highest SEER-rated models. Air conditioners with high SEER ratings (SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficient ratio”) perform at optimal efficiency, meaning your home will cool quickly, stay comfortable, and use minimal energy. Although a new central air conditioner with a high SEER rating may cost more up-front, the savings you reap over time will be well-worth the investment.
Now, more than ever, pure air quality matters. It doesn’t just make for a more pleasant home — because of COVID-19, it is imperative to your health. Your air conditioner should not just cool the air, but purify and, well, condition it, too.
Your ac unit will contain an air filter that should be swapped out regularly. Depending on the type of filter, it should be changed every 3 to 6 months. This is important because the dirtier an air filter becomes, the less efficient it will be at improving air quality. Luckily, quality HVAC companies (including ours!) offer routine maintenance plans that leave the details to the pros.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to maintain social distancing whenever possible. For many, this has meant staying home and minimizing visitors. But if you’re buying a new central air conditioner, it’s imperative that you leave installation to the professionals. Your HVAC company should always be respectful of your home. Here at Blanton’s, we strive to be a friendly and gracious presence, and respect our customers’ living spaces (and we never leave behind a mess!).
But as 2020 has progressed, we have upped our professional standards. We’re also transparent and clear about the changes we are implementing. We maintain and uphold all social distancing protocols, including face masks, regular hand washing, and physical distancing between our employees and customers. In addition to our routine use of disposable booties, our service professionals also wear latex gloves and protective eyewear. We regularly use disinfecting wipes on all surfaces, including in our trucks. We pride ourselves on the fact that all service calls and new air conditioner installations begin with a friendly handshake — but until it is safe to do so, we will be replacing physical contact with a big smile. Once your unit has been installed, we also offer online bill pay, for customers looking to minimize mail delivery and contact. These are all important steps toward a safe home life! These are just a few of the steps your HVAC company should be taking to keep you safe — and they should be proactive in sharing these procedures with you, the customer.
Nothing seems “normal” these days, but you still deserve to feel comfortable, cool, and safe in your home. Follow these COVID-19 considerations when purchasing a new ac and know that at least one thing will go right this year! Call Blanton’s today to set up an appointment with one of our friendly professionals.
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We make the process easy in multiple ways but you can always expect the same, easy way when you work with us:
We don't schedule in those 4 hour windows - you won’t have to wait around for us.
We call you and give you updates. We provide a 30 minute heads up phone call.
When you book, you get a welcome email that shows your technician's photo and some of their recent customer reviews.
When your tech is dispatched, we provide a link where you can track them en route.
Ready for what’s next? Give us a call, schedule an appointment or fill out a form and we’ll take care of the rest!
