5 Ways to Save On a New Air Conditioning System
With a tight economy and Central Air Conditioner Systems breaking down, many folks are going to need to find a way to pay for a new air conditioning system this summer! If you think its still within the age to be repaired, check out the air conditioner repair cost guide.
In order to make sure you can afford the price of a new central air conditioner or cooling system, take notice of the following!
First - Get ONLY What You Need!
No matter who comes into your home and gives you an estimate, they are also going to include something that benefits them! Whether that's an extended warranty, a maintenance plan, or some added component you may not need right now, make sure its pared down to the basics!
- Extra Warranties can be added before the end of the first year at no extra cost (in most cases)
- Service contracts can be added next year
- If your furnace or air handler is fine, leave it for now! While it may cost a bit extra to replace later, that will be much easier to swallow if you have the extra money!
- Ask the Contractor: Do I HAVE to Have this NOW?
Second - Get Multiple Price Estimates
Don't assume that just because the heating and air guy is a friend of a friend, that he's giving you the best price. HVAC Contractors are in business to make money just like you work to make money.
- Always get at least 3 estimates!
- Always make sure the estimates are for similar equipment!
- Always check the Better Business Bureau in your area for past issues!
- Use Angies List to see what others have said!
- Get your Estimates from QualitySmith, who only use screened professionals!
Third - Ask for The Lowest Price
Listen, you will never get the best price air conditoner unless you ASK for it! As I previously mentioned, HVAC contractors are in business to make money and keep their business afloat. They usually work from a fixed price book (flat-rates) and have enough room in the price to bargain with buyers in order to close the sale!
Ask them:
- Is this the Lowest Possible Price?
- Can you do any better if I BUY NOW?
- If there is a Cash Discount (Credit card companies charge 2-4% to process the card - ask for 3% off if you pay cash! Many companies bury cash... so they will JUMP on it)
- Will you Match the Price of XYZ Company?
Fourth - Ask if There are Additional Rebates or Discounts
Now is a GREAT time to be a buyer! There are several Air Conditioner Tax Credits, and even more local hvac tax incentives from your electric company to buy an energy efficient cooling system! In addition to tax credits and rebates, many of the hvac manufacturers are offering rebates to get people to buy now!
- Ask if the Unit Qualifies for Tax Credits
- Ask if your local utility companies are offering rebates or incentives
- Ask if the manufacturer offers rebates
- Ask if the company you are buying from offers any additional coupons or discounts.
Fifth and Finally - Get Cheap!
None of like to admit we are broke and simply can't afford to pay for something. Don't be afraid to ask the salesman if they have any of last years equipment still in stock, or maybe they have a used system lying around just for times like this.
Most contractors keep some old stock around just for this purpose, and although you may have to sacrifice quality and efficiency just to be sure you have a working system installed, you gotta do what you gotta do! 
You can also offer to work off some of the cost in barter, if you think you have something that may be useful to the company! Get creative... it may just work!
- Ask for old model year equipment
- Ask for used equipment
- Cry Poor... don't laugh, it works!
- Barter your Skills in exchange for some of the cost!
- Volunteer to distribute flyers to ALL your neighbors during the installation and drum up business for the company!
- Promise to refer them to everyone you know!
- Create a Facebook fan page for them in your local city!
What Would You Add?
Hey, everyone can think of something else to add to this list... what would YOU add? Share, cmon?! Help others save money on a new air conditioner.