In most areas, but especially in the southern climates, air conditioning is a definite must. Not only is it essential for general comfort, but in the very southern states it is also a health benefit as temperatures reach into the hundred plus degrees during the long summer months.

Air conditioning in these areas is a key factor in resale values of properties and many residences without central air conditioning will be devalued on the market, regardless of the size, condition or architecture of the house.

There are two basic types of air conditioning, central air, which means that the cold air is blown through the house from a central cooling unit, typically located outside of the house. There are options within central air conditioning systems including conventional systems, also known as forced air and high velocity air cooling systems.

There is some difference in price between these two systems but both are designed to effectively maintain a reasonable temperature in the house. These systems work on thermostats, just like the furnace does in the winter. Air conditioning systems of this type may be coupled with humidity control systems that work to adjust the amount of moisture in the air during the hot summer months.

In dry climates additional humidity may be added to the cooled air and in humid climates dehumidifiers are used in conjunction with air conditioning systems to ensure a comfortable room temperature and humidity level. Although either forced air or high velocity air cooling systems are the most expensive to install and maintain, they also add the most value to your home or residence.

Another option for cooling your home is to use window units.

These are small, semi-portable systems that are installed in the bottom section of a window and draw air through the system cooling the temperature and blowing it into the room. The condensation is drained outside from the back of the unit as is the heat vented out of the room. These small window type air conditioning units are effective for small rooms but typically are not powerful enough to maintain a consistent temperature in a larger room or throughout more than one room.

For older homes or homes that currently don’t have the ductwork and space needed to install a conventional or whole house air conditioner, these window units may be all that is required. Since they are not a permanent fixture in the house they may or may not be included in the sale, however they also don’t add any value to the house.

If you are building a home or office or have an existing home or building that you want to air condition, working with air conditioning contractors is the best way to go to ensure that you have a professionally installed and trouble free system. Air conditioning contractors are typically well experienced in residential, commercial or both types of air conditioning systems and generally work with any type of system that you choose to purchase.

Some air conditioning contractors will recommend or prefer a specific type or model of air conditioner or system based on the space and requirements of the job, however most are flexible with regards to what specific brand of unit is purchased and installed.

Before selecting or choosing air conditioning contractors to work on your residence or commercial building, the first step is to familiarize yourself with some basic terminology. You will be installing or upgrading either conventional forced air systems or high velocity air conditioning systems.

In addition you should also have an idea of the floor space, special aspects of the project such as attached buildings, multiple floor levels or even special areas such as sunrooms or covered decks that are to be included as air conditioned spaces. In addition it is important to know your budget and what options you can do without in order to bring the project in within your budget about.

Try to talk to at least 3 air conditioning contractors with regards to your project and keep written records of the answers to your questions.

They should also provide a written estimate of the cost of the project. In addition be sure to ask the air conditioning contractors on your list the following questions:

* What experience do you have with this type of a project?

Not only is experience important in providing an accurate estimate but it also can help with regards to potential problems or costly changes that might need to occur with the design. If the project is still in the blueprint stage the air conditioning contractor may make recommendations to the plan that could end up making the air conditioning and heating system more efficient and cost saving.

* What is the energy rating they typically obtain through their systems?

As the price of home heating and cooling continues to increase dramatically every year, working with air conditioning contractors that are familiar with energy saving features or “green features” that can be implemented to cut down the overall cost of long term use is essential.

* Ask what air conditioning unit the contractor recommends, its cost and what the maintenance requirements are for the unit.

Some units are initially lower cost but are higher maintenance over the long run, while others are more expensive initially but have very minimal maintenance costs throughout the life of the unit.

Finally, don’t hesitate to ask the air conditioning contractors for references that you can speak to regarding their workmanship and quality of the service provided.