Summer is upon us once again and sizzling temperatures have replaced the snows of winter and the rains of spring. If you are still struggling to keep your family cool with antiquated window units or floor flans, maybe this is your summer for finally making the switch to central air conditioning. Today's central air systems are more affordable to buy than ever and modern technologies also allow them to be extremely energy-efficient: making them affordable to use as well. Here are 5 steps to follow when buying your new central air conditioning system.

1. Do a little research on your own before contacting a heating and cooling contractor. The more you know about how a system operates and the types of products available on the market, the more likely you'll ultimately make a sound and informed decision. Some things to research include: home energy load calculations, SEER ratings and what they mean, and the differences between the major brands.


2. Find a heating and cooling contractor in your community whom you can trust. There really are differences between them! Look for a company that has longevity (and therefore experience) in the business, that has an excellent reputation, and that is licensed and insured for your protection. Many companies offer specific guarantees as well as warranties over and above what an appliance manufacturer offers.


3. Have your chosen contractor come to your home to perform an energy load calculation. He will take into account the square footage of your home, amount of insulation, number of windows as well as their orientation, and a number of other factors in order to determine what you cooling needs are and therefore what size unit will work best.


4. You should then be given a choice of different air conditioning systems that fall within the appropriate size range for your home. Generally, your choice of systems will be marketed as "Good, Better, Best" by the contractor and your decision will be based on your purchasing budget as well as how much you want to save on your monthly energy bills. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the appliance and the lower your bills: but initial cost will be higher.


5. Now that it's time to make your purchase, make sure you take your time in doing so and avoid feeling pressured one way or the other. An air conditioner represents a significant investment, and you want to be sure the one you get is exactly what you want.