The Ultimate Guide to Shopping for Carrier Air Conditioners

Carrier air conditioners have been leaders in the HVAC industry for more than 100 years. Their air conditioners have established a solid reputation for quality, reliability and energy efficient performance. The Airquest unit stands out as a model for perfect home use.   HVACDirect.com is a Carrier Expert   The Carrier Company has many dealers in every state. One online dealer that represents them with an outstanding reputation for customer service and prices and is HVACDirect.com. This dealer is an expert in Carrier Airquest equipment who will work with you to find the right air conditioner unit for your home.   HVACDirect.com has sold thousands of air conditioners over the years to satisfied customers. They have a great working relationship with the Carrier Company that allows their employees to keep informed about the latest industry trends. Up to date information is provided by Carrier to the dealer’s management so they can pass it on to their customers.   A dealer must be an expert in product knowledge to adequately work with customers. Buyers expect this from a sales team who is taking their hard earned cash. Customers have confidence in experts who can answer their questions and help them meet their needs.   Working With a Dealer: HVACDirect.com Working with an online dealer like HVACDirect.com is easier than you might think. It’s not necessary to visit retail showrooms when you can see Airquest models online and discuss their features and specifications with experts. Working with a dealer that gives you every day wholesale prices is even better.   Working with a dealer like HVACDirect.com is a pleasure when their staff can answer all of your questions. Customers expect quick response to their needs. Customers also expect to be treated with courtesy and respect. Contacting the dealer by calling a toll free number is a plus.   Customers expect to do business with a dealer that is open on convenient days and times. Contact them on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All times are EST. The customer service staff works hard to build a very positive working relationship with all of their customers – including you.   Factory Authorized Dealer: HVACDirect.com   It means a lot to know that HVACDirect.com is a factory authorized dealer because you can buy from them with confidence. The staff is very knowledgeable about all of the Carrier Airquest models. They have been trained by factory experts to understand the major AC concepts:

• How air conditioners operate
• Features of the Airquest model
• The specifications of this model
• Troubleshooting basics
• Replacement parts
• The size you need
• Warranties and their use

In other words, the customer service team knows “their stuff.”   Being a Carrier factory authorized dealer is one of the most sought-after designations in the HVAC industry. It means that HVACDirect.com is certified to meet strict national standards and offer the highest quality products and services from the Carrier Company. You can trust their advice about buying the right air conditioner for your home use.   Heating and Cooling Basics   Before you buy a new HVAC system it’s wise to understand some cooling and heating basics. Most central cooling and heating systems consist of an outdoor AC unit and an indoor furnace. There are types of HVAC systems but these are the most common. The furnace unit contains a heating system and a blower to move the air around in the house.   Air conditioners perform best when they meet these three conditions:

• Installed by a licensed professional HVAC contractor
• The unit is matched with the size of your home
• Its cooling efficiency meets the homeowner’s standards

ACs are measured in SEER ratings. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. When these three criteria are met all will go well. When they do not you will either waste energy and money and/or experience problems.   Furnaces also perform best when they meet the three criteria above. Heating is measured in AFUE efficiency and BTUs. Most furnaces run on natural gas. Others use liquid propane, oil, or electricity. Tip: Buy the most cost-effective heating system you can afford.   Repair or Replace   There comes a time when a homeowner must decide whether to once again repair or replace their air conditioner. You know it’s time to replace your old unit when:

• Your home is no longer comfortable in the summer
• The AC runs too often or the house warms up between cycles
• Your energy bills keep going up year after year
• There are unusual noises and/or vibrations
• Repairs and service calls are too frequent
• It is more than 15 years old

Air conditioners do wear out over time and you will be throwing money down the drain.   The best way to keep your AC unit operating is to have an annual spring inspection and cleaning by a qualified AC technician. Keep your filters changed throughout the year to reduce wear on the AC and furnace and to keep the air quality up. If you do these two things you can reduce the number of breakdowns. When a part needs replacing it may be worthwhile to keep your unit another year or two if breakdowns are infrequent.   System Types   There are two basic types of Carrier Airquest systems – Single Stage and Variable Speed. The compressor on a single stage AC works on only one speed: full. It is a very common system that is either 100% on or 100% off. Variable speed compressors work at different speeds based on the outdoor temperature. If it’s cooler it runs at a lower speed for longer periods of time and runs at a higher speed when it’s really hot.   A variable speed AC is more energy efficient, comfortable, and quiet. The single stage turns on and off more often and can wear out quicker. A variable speed goes on and off less often thus reducing wear and energy usage. The variable speed runs longer at slower speeds and removes more humidity out of the air than a single stage. It also creates more even temperatures in every room.   What about price? Single stage ACs cost less to purchase and install. A variable speed costs more for both of the above. Consider your electric and gas rates and the amount of energy both systems will use. Then you can make a decision about which is more economical in the long run.   Energy Efficiency   Energy efficiency is a byword in today’s economy. It directly applies to air conditioning because cooling a home is a substantial part of a home’s energy usage and budget. It costs even more so for those who live in the South, Southeast, and Southwest.   Check your state for the minimum SEER rating for air conditioners. This will be the starting point for your home. A larger home will require a higher SEER while a smaller one will work just fine with the minimum. More energy efficient ACs cost more to purchase and install. Keep these costs in mind as well as the electric rates in your area.   Also, keep the warranty in mind on a Carrier Airquest system. It covers parts for 10 years and this brings peace of mind to the buyer. Get advice from HVACDirect.com and an HVAC contractor who installs the AC units they sell.