3 Reasons to Be Wary of Air Conditioners and Furnaces Sold Online.

It may seem tempting to score a deal with a heating and air system you find online. Many of these websites promise free shipping – all you have to do is find an installer or install it yourself. Easy, right?

WRONG.

The problem with online sales is that the equipment comes without the expert opinion of a local heating and air contractor. Here are three reasons you should avoid online sales.

1. Warranty voided.
Probably the biggest reason to not buy heating and air equipment online is that many manufacturers, including Frigidaire, void the warranty if it is bought online. This is because of the increased likelihood of errors with the installation that will negatively impact the equipment’s performance and longevity.

2. Wrong size.
Sizing is critical for heating and air equipment. If it’s too small, it will never properly cool or heat your home on a hot day. If it’s too large, it will cool or heat too fast and your home will have uneven temperatures and stagnant air.

A professional heating and air contractor can perform a Manual J load calculation that determines the ideal equipment size for your home. Without one, buying a system is akin to buying shoes with just a guess of your size – you may get them on your feet, but you’ll never be comfortable.

3. Installation nightmares.
Many contractors will not install equipment purchased online for the reasons listed above. They do not want to be associated with a system that has a voided warranty and is potentially the wrong size because it means more headaches down the road for them. The contractors who are willing to install one of these systems may not be as technically qualified as others.

With heating and air, the quality of the installation is absolutely critical to the performance of your system. Skimp on the install, and you are throwing away all of the money potentially saved by buying online.

You get what you pay for.
“Buyer beware” is never more true than with online heating and air sales. If something looks too good to be true, then it probably is. Remember, your local contractor’s bid may be higher, but he is also running a business that includes overhead for training, certifications and service calls to your home. His professional opinion on the right equipment for your specific home in your specific geography is also valuable, along with his assessment of your ductwork and indoor air quality needs.

Buy your heating and cooling system with the expert advice of a local contractor, and you’ll be much happier – and more comfortable in your home – for years to come.