8 Questions to Ask Your Air Conditioner Contractor
When you’re looking to install, repair, or replace your air conditioner, picking the right contractor matters just as much as the system itself. Get it wrong, and you’re stuck with weak cooling, sky-high energy bills, and breakdowns that never seem to end.
Air Conditioner Contractor
Before you sign anything, take a minute to ask your Air Conditioner Contractor a few key questions. Here are eight you can’t skip if you want someone reliable and qualified.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Start here, always. Make sure your contractor holds a valid license (check your local requirements), has liability insurance to cover accidents, and carries workers’ comp in case someone gets hurt on your property.
Why it matters:
If something goes sideways during your install or repair, you don’t want to end up paying for damage or injuries. A licensed, insured contractor is playing by the rules—no shortcuts.
Quick tip: Ask to see their license and insurance details, then check them out for yourself.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have With AC System?
Not all ACs work the same. You’ve got split systems, central air, ductless mini-splits, inverter units, smart systems—the list goes on. Ask how long they’ve worked in the business, if they’ve handled your exact type, and whether they focus on homes, businesses, or both.
Why it matters:
More experience means fewer mistakes. They’ll size your unit right, install it properly, and spot problems fast. That saves hassle and cash.
3. Will You Do a Load Calculation Before Installing?
A real air conditioner contractor will measure your home and run a load calculation (like Manual J) before recommending a system. They’ll look at your home’s size, insulation, windows, orientation, and even your ductwork.
If they just eyeball things or copy your old unit’s specs, that’s a warning sign.
Why it matters:
Oversized units short-cycle, leave you sticky, and cost more to run. Undersized ones struggle, never cool enough, and waste energy. A proper load calculation means your new system fits your space—and your comfort.
4. What Brand and Model Do You Recommend—and Why?
Your air conditioner contractor shouldn’t just toss out a brand. They need to explain efficiency ratings (EER/SEER), noise, warranty, expected lifespan, and why that model matches your needs and budget.
Ask them to lay out a few choices (good, better, best). Then you can weigh up-front costs against long-term savings.
Why it matters:
The brand and model change everything—how much you pay to run it, how comfortable you feel, how often you’ll need repairs, and whether your investment holds up.
5. What’s Included in Your Quote?
Never settle for a vague estimate. Get a detailed, written quote that breaks down equipment, labor, materials, any upgrades, permits, and removal of your old unit. Ask what’s not included too—better to be clear now than surprised later.
Why it matters:
One-line quotes hide hidden fees. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for makes it easier to compare bids and avoid nasty surprises.
6. Do You Offer Maintenance Plans?
Good air conditioner contractor care about your system after install day. Ask about their maintenance plans, how often they recommend service (usually yearly), what’s included, and whether you get discounts on future repairs or parts.
Why it matters:
Regular maintenance keeps your AC humming, keeps your warranty valid, and helps you dodge breakdowns in the hottest months. Having your installer handle the service just keeps things simple.
7. What Warranties and Guarantees Do You Offer?
When it comes to protection, you usually get two things:
Manufacturer’s warranty – This covers the equipment itself, like the compressor and other parts.
Contractor’s workmanship guarantee – This covers the quality of the installation and any labor involved.
Ask your air conditioning contractor a few key questions:
How long does the manufacturer’s warranty last?
Which parts are actually covered—and which aren’t?
How long do they guarantee their workmanship?
If something breaks right after installation, what happens then?
Why this matters:
Good warranties and guarantees mean the contractor actually stands behind their work. You get some peace of mind knowing that if a part fails or something wasn’t installed right, you’re not left footing the bill twice.
8. Can You Share References or Reviews?
Trustworthy contractors don’t hesitate to give you:
Contact info for recent customers (with their permission, of course)
Links to online reviews or testimonials
Photos of air conditioning installs they’ve done before
When you talk to their references, ask about their experience:
Were they happy with the work?
Did the project finish on time and within budget?
If something went wrong, did the contractor fix it?
Why this matters:
Hearing from real customers gives you the truth about what it’s actually like to work with that contractor—not just what they say during the sales pitch.
Bonus: Watch Out for These Red Flags
As you talk to different contractors, keep an eye out for warning signs:
They won’t show you their license or insurance
They push just one brand without explaining other options
They refuse to do a proper load calculation
They only give verbal quotes—nothing in writing
They pressure you to “decide today” or threaten that the price will go up
If you spot any of these, it’s probably best to keep looking for someone more reliable.
Spinel Dynamics is an air conditioner contractor that offer design, supply, installations, repair, and maintenance of HVAC services in Kenya. We don’t just install an air conditioning system and leave, we ensure it runs smoothly, all the time, without any hitch.
Why Spinel? We are commitment to transparency & honesty. We offer unmatched expertise & certified professionals, customized solutions, exceptional customer service, and long-term reliability and support.
Feel free to contact us in any case.
