If you're looking for a new central air conditioner - here are a few quick tips to make sure you get the right unit, at a fair price.

1. Central air conditioning units are sold by the ton, and normally go from 1 1/2 tons to 5 tons.
2. Your air conditioning salesperson should take the time to size out your house, using a calculation called the Manual J.  If they decide to go with the same size you have now, without first assesing your home - get a second estimate.  Here's why:  To size your home properly the consultant must measure your house, and then account for the amount of heat loss and gain through your windows.  Often times the unit you have now may not be the correct size for your home. 
3. Be sure to talk with your consultant about any concerns you have, especially with current air flow problems in your home.  Often times air temperature on the first and second level of your home can vary by as much as five to ten degrees.  This is especially true in older victorian style two story homes.  When they were built most of these homes had what was called a gravity furnace in the basement.  These are often referred to as an octopus (because all of the ductwork looks like and octopus).  They are big and take up most of the basement, and are often covered with asbestos.  The problem is:  these systems were built to heat your house, and they did a great job at it.  But, when most people took out the old gravity systems, they did not redo the duct work properly.  As a result, getting proper air flow to the second story is a problem.  Be sure to have your ductwork looked at.
4. Air conditioning is efficiency rated based on SEERS (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating).  Ratings currently go from 13 to 21 SEERS, although some dealers may still have some of the older 10 SEER units available.  For the average person, 13 SEERS is more than adequate.  As you go up in SEER ratings, the unit is more efficient, and removes more humidity from the house to make you more comfortable.  The flip side is - each additional SEER can cost you $500 or more.
5. 15 SEER and above units can qualify you for a $300 government tax credit, if matched with the proper coil.  Ask your dealer for details.
6. Some utility companies offer rebates for buying units rated 14 SEER and above.  You need to be careful though - Just because a unit says 14 SEER does not mean it will achieve it.  Often times your dealer needs to add special coils or other enhancements.  If you are buying for the rebate - Make sure they write on your contract that you will get the rebate.
7. Along with number 6 above, be warned - If your dealer absorbs the rebate and says he will take care of the rebate for you, and knocks that amount off of your purchase price  -  He is lying!  He knows something he doesn't want you to find out.  Your unit will not achieve the stated SEER rating.  Buyer beware.

Final Tip.

  The first price you are quoted is not the dealers final price.  This business is a lot like the used car business - If the dealership is behind on sales, or trying to make their sales for the month - Prices can fall a thousand dollars or more.  Especially if you install during the last few days of the month.

  Always ask - Is that your Best price?  Or, if you have them, pull out other bids to show the dealer, and watch your price go down.  Shop smart - Ask a lot of questions - And Save.

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