Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘AC Installation’

Don’t Sweat It—Why a Second Opinion Could Save Your Summer

Monday, June 9th, 2025
overheated-person-with-fan

When it comes to replacing your air conditioner, there’s a lot at stake—your comfort, your wallet, and your peace of mind. If a contractor has told you that you need a new system, don’t rush into a major purchase without getting all the facts. Our team is proud to offer free second opinions for AC installation or replacement, because we believe in giving homeowners options and confidence—not pressure.

And here’s even better news: we offer 0% financing, so you can enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home without sweating the upfront cost of AC installation in Cedar Falls, IA.

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Think You Need a New AC? A Free Second Opinion Could Save You Thousands

Monday, June 9th, 2025
person-with-fanned-out-money

Before you commit to a costly air conditioner replacement, stop and take a breath—because making the right call could save you serious money. We offer free second opinions on AC installation and replacement, helping homeowners avoid unnecessary expenses and make smart, informed decisions. Plus, with 0% financing available, upgrading to a new, energy-efficient system is easier than ever. Let’s talk about AC installation in Cedar Rapids, IA.

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Second Guessing That AC Quote? You Should Be—Here’s Why

Monday, June 9th, 2025
person-with-shocked-expression-looking-at-paper

Getting hit with the news that your air conditioner needs to be replaced can be stressful—especially when you weren’t expecting it. Before you commit to a major investment, take a moment to get a second opinion. At Dalton, we offer free second opinions on AC installations and replacements. We’ll give you honest answers, expert insight, and even 0% financing if a new system really is the best move.

Here’s why a second opinion on your AC installation in Des Moines, IA can make all the difference—for your comfort, your wallet, and your peace of mind.

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Efficiency Ratings: The Science and Statistics Behind Them

Monday, July 29th, 2024

SEER2 is a term that is being widely used throughout the industry. Every single air conditioner purchased has a SEER2 rating, and even heat pumps have an HSPF2 rating. But what does this mean? And if you’re a homeowner, is there any way you can know what these numbers signify?

Firstly, you can follow the most basic rules and be okay. The higher the SEER2 or HSPF2 rating, the more efficient the system is. But what if customers want to learn more about how these numbers get developed? What then?

If you’re keen on learning about an AC installation in Cedar Rapids and you want to know specifically what the SEER2 rating means, then keep reading. We’ll break it down in layman’s terms.

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It’s Time to Upgrade Your Window AC

Monday, August 28th, 2023

For years, many customers have had one or two small window AC units that cooled specific rooms like bedrooms and offices for exceptionally hot days. These units are cheap and easy to use, making them good for budget decisions that keep you comfortable during the hottest days of the year.

But record-breaking temperatures are only continuing to get worse and window AC units aren’t actually as good as you might think. Sure, they feel better than having no air conditioning, but what if we told you that a central air conditioning system, or other AC installation in Waterloo, IA could actually be more energy-efficient and convenient?

Yep, it might finally be time to retire that old window unit and upgrade it to a system that keeps you and the entire family comfortable. Let’s talk about some reasons why an upgrade is such a good idea.

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What Tonnage Is Your New AC?

Monday, August 15th, 2022
two-outside-ac-units

For anyone who isn’t entrenched in the HVAC industry, there are a number of terms and quite a bit of jargon that may not make much sense. There is some jargon you don’t need to know–but others that are helpful to have a basic understanding of. Tonnage is one of the latter.

Tonnage is an essential part of new air conditioning installation and AC replacement. You can always trust the Dalton technicians to successfully and reliably install your air conditioner, no matter what type of air conditioner you choose to have installed. But understanding a bit more about tonnage and how it applies to your new air conditioner can help you understand why it’s so important that you only trust the pros to service this system. Read on to learn more!

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How Much Does an AC Installation Cost?

Monday, July 11th, 2022
Pink piggy bank on table with coins, person calculating expenses in background, symbolizing AC installation cost.

Buying a new air conditioner is a huge investment. We get it! We do applaud you for looking into this purchase now rather than waiting for temperatures to warm up. This gives you time to truly explore your options, looking at not only the initial cost of your system, but how much it will likely cost you to operate from month to month, the type of system you want, and how efficient of equipment you want. For a deeper understanding, check out this guide on air conditioner installation costs. The average cost to install central air conditioning ranges from around $5,000 to $12,000, so planning ahead is crucial.

When considering system sizing, it’s important to evaluate the cooling capacity and cooling power needed for your home. The right size AC unit is determined by the square feet or square footage of your space, ensuring your system can deliver adequate cooled air. The size of your home significantly impacts the final installation price because more square footage typically requires a larger AC unit.

There are several types of cooling systems to choose from. Window units are a cost-effective option for small spaces, while central systems and central air units are better suited for whole-home cooling. You can also consider air source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps, which provide both heating and cooling and are known for their efficiency.

If you’re looking at ductless systems, remember that a pre installation evaluation should include checking your existing ducts and refrigerant lines. Modifications may be needed to accommodate a new AC system. A thorough pre installation evaluation is also essential for checking for air leaks and assessing how well your home retains heat, which helps ensure your new HVAC system is properly sized and efficient. A pre-installation evaluation can cost between $250 and $2,000 depending on the home size and complexity of the home energy audit.

During installation, adding a new AC unit or doing an AC replacement may require electrical work, such as installing a dedicated circuit, to support the new system. Financing options, like a home equity loan or home equity line, can help manage the average cost of installing a new AC system. Financing options for new AC installation include home equity loans, HELOCs, personal loans, and cash-out refinances.

Choosing a high efficiency system with higher SEER ratings can reduce your energy bill over time, even if the upfront cost is higher. Regular maintenance and professional installation are important to avoid costly repairs and ensure your system delivers cooled air efficiently. Investing in yearly maintenance can help avoid costly repairs and extend your AC unit’s lifespan.

You should only ever trust a pro for this job. Trained and experienced HVAC professionals, like the members of our team, will be able to adequately match and size the right AC system to your specific home, for your specific needs. A properly installed AC system will have optimal cooling output and help maintain comfort throughout your home. Read on as we uncover the factors that go into your AC installation cost.

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Is It Difficult to Install a Ductless Mini Split?

Monday, June 6th, 2022
hand-holding-remote-for-ductless-air-handler

When homeowners are looking to purchase a new air conditioner, they go into it knowing it’s a huge investment. Therefore, they may be tempted to cut corners and do an installation on their own to save money. However, the thing about big investments is that you really need an experienced professional on your side to make sure it operates as effectively and efficiently as it’s meant to. So, our answer to “Is it difficult to install a ductless mini-split” is going to be, “For you, maybe not… for one of our professionals, definitely not!”

Installing a ductless system on your own could leave you with a system that doesn’t operate as well as it could have otherwise or with broken air handlers later on down the line, which we’ll elaborate on below. Read on as we uncover what you need to know about ductless installation.

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Which AC Unit Should I Buy?

Monday, May 23rd, 2022
outdoor-ac-unit-sitting-on-top-of-money

Temperatures are starting to warm, and with that change in the weather, you may be wondering if your air conditioner is ready for another hot season ahead. Of course, if you’re making that decision now, it could be tempting to rush into a purchase before summertime hits in earnest. Rushing a decision like this, however, can be a mistake, leaving you with a potentially inefficient air conditioner and/or an improperly installed air conditioner.

We’re going to assume that you’re not rushing into this purchase, and this is why you’ve decided to read this blog post. With that, we’re happy to share some information that may help you make a careful, educated decision about your next air conditioner purchase. Read on!

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