Q&A
How can you sell equipment replacements at such a low price?
We don't actually sell air conditioning. The AC Store is acting much like Orbitz, Priceline, and other discount sites do by filling unused slots in the schedule. Their slots are plane seats and hotel rooms. Ours open slots are days in a contractor's schedule when he doesn't have all the crews busy. When a contractor has to pay technicians to wait around or send them home, he loses money. There is a minimum income that they need for a crew-day. By offering to help fill those openings in their schedule, and paying them the least they need, the response has been great to this program. They get a new customer and we make a few bucks on the deal. Six companies are participating and doing these installations. Others want in on the action.
Is the quality good?
Ruud is very reliable equipment. At the high temperatures we have around here, their efficiencies are some of the highest in the industry. The relationship with the local distributor is great. They keep plenty of equipment in stock.
Can I buy the equipment and have my guy put it in?
To assure there will be no problems our installation contractors are the only ones allowed to install the systems. They are up to the task. The contractors here I have personally known for years and trust to do a good job for you.
Is the factory warranty good if I buy online?
YES!! Ruud rewrote their policy a while back and now warn against the 'equipment only' websites while allowing us to operate with no restraint.
Ruud's website says: "A trained professional should always review the unique requirements of your structure to ensure proper equipment selection and safe, efficient installation. ..... A professional HVAC Contractor should always be involved in job-site inspection, product selection, and installation." The systems here meet all the criteria they specify by having a contractor visit and verify what will be installed before writing a contract.
What do other guys charge for the same AC unit?
Prices are all over the place. A while back I heard of a job that a less than reputable contractor really messed up. The homeowner had paid $11,000+ and said he had quotes up to $17,000. The system did not work properly and the contractor would not return to fix it. The price from The AC Store contractors would have been less than $8200 and done right.
Am I stuck with my choice if I make a mistake selecting equipment?
Not at all. We want to make sure you get what you want AND what is correct for you. The contractor will verify you get the right system. If you pick a 4 ton when you need a 3.5 ton they will adjust the price to reflect the change. Same if you choose a heat pump when you actually need a gas system. The contractors will not make the contract for work until someone has seen it will be correct.
