Purchasing a new air conditioning system or unit is probably not at the top of your list of favorite things to do. But going without air in the Arizona heat is likely further down that list. If you are shopping around for air conditioning in Chandler, Ariz., here are some pro tips to look for to make sure you find a system that will give you the peace of mind that you got the right thing for your home and family.

Work with a reputable and certified company experienced installing all types of AC systems. You might need just a new outside unit/condenser or an entire system including air ducts and the inside unit. The outside unit contains the condenser coil, compressor, electrical components and a fan. Be sure to read customer reviews and ask questions.

Once you have narrowed your search, get quotes from at least three AC service companies. Keep in mind that quotes will be rough before a technician is able to come out to your home to see what needs to be done. Prices essentially include two parts—the cost of the equipment and the cost of the installation. Ask an AC service company in Chandler what equipment and brands the company uses. Some companies will work only with the best brands.

The size of the unit will be determined by the size of your home. You do not want to get a unit that’s too small because it will not be able to produce enough and can stop working prematurely. It needs to be big enough to cool your home to a level you are comfortable with. However, you don’t want a unit so big that it wastes energy. One that is too large will cycle on and off too often, sucking an unnecessary amount of energy. Some homes need to units, especially long floor plans that create two sections of the house.

A trustworthy air conditioning service in the Chandler area will come to your home to perform a load calculation to determine the size that works for your needs. They will also explain exactly what you need and go over the energy efficiency. This efficiency is measured as a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Units today are required to have a rating of 13 or higher, and ones with 14 to 22 are classified as energy-efficient.

The amount of insulation in your home also matters to your entire system. The better the insulation is at helping to maintain the temperature in your home, the better your system will work. An experienced technical will look at your insulation and make a recommendation based on your house and needs.

Find out what maintenance service the company provides. Most units need to be serviced once or twice a year to be cleaned and checked for proper use. Some companies will offer regular maintenance. This can offer another level of peace of mind because if you don’t perform basic maintenance, your warranty can be void.