It’s always gratifying when you can learn something from television. That way, you can tell yourself you’re doing something educational when you binge-watch old Seinfeld episodes.
Luckily, you really can learn a couple of important lessons about air conditioning in NYC from Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer.
SPOILER ALERT: Some plot details of Seinfeld episodes are revealed below, but we’re betting that you’ve already seen them anyway!
I Think It Got The Dog: The danger of installation mistakes for air conditioning in NYC
You may recall in the Season 5 episode “The Glasses” that Kramer takes it upon himself to install an air conditioner in Jerry’s apartment. He simply places it in the open window, pulls down the blinds to sit on top of the ac unit, and declares it “INSTALLED!”
Unfortunately, shortly thereafter the unit falls out of the window on to the street, where it serves as Elaine’s revenge on a dog that had bitten her.
You probably won’t be so happy about the results of air conditioning installation mistakes: they can seriously cost you.
MISTAKE #1: Getting the wrong size air conditioner.
Many amateur installers (like Kramer) will automatically replace an ailing unit with one of the same size or tonnage. This is a mistake, since many older systems are oversized to start with because they were installed in the days when “bigger is better” was the rule of thumb.
Today we know better. HVAC systems that are oversized for the space don’t provide consistent comfort, they break down more often, and they drive up your energy bills.
Many factors go into calculating the correct size air conditioning unit for your space. Make sure your supplier takes into account the layout of the space, the usage and occupancy of the various rooms, and materials used in the construction.
Related Article: Related Article: New York HVAC Systems: 8 Reasons Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better.
MISTAKE #2: Choosing old technology.
When you replace your old system with a newer version of the same-old technology (like Kramer’s window unit), you may be missing out on an opportunity to improve performance, enhance the comfort of the space, and save on energy costs.
Today’s state of the art HVAC technology, called VRF systems, have more precise, digital controls and designs that can adjust the level of heating and cooling to individual rooms or areas within the space.
VRF systems do a better job of providing consistent comfort, but also use less energy. These systems can even provide supplemental heating in addition to air conditioning.
Related Article: 7 Reasons to Choose VRF Technology for Your New Air Conditioning.
MISTAKE #3: Piecemeal replacement.
There are probably several different components to your HVAC system, which may include condenser units and air handlers, packaged systems or chillers and water towers. In the interest of saving cash, you may be tempted to replace only one or two components of the system.
Doing a partial air conditioning installation like this would result in a mismatched system that can cause you all kinds of headaches, including uneven heating and cooling, increased breakdowns, and a failure to see improvements in energy consumption from your new equipment.
HVAC system components need to be matched for optimum performance and reliability. For best results, replace the entire system at the same time.
Related Article: How To Get The Most Bang For Your Buck From Your New Air Conditioning.
MISTAKE #4: Failing to plan for maintenance.
Your new air conditioner requires maintenance to keep working effectively, and the design and installation of the equipment needs to take that into account.
Make sure the building plans include access to HVAC equipment and ductwork for maintenance purposes. This includes access to air handlers, control valves, dampers. Coils must be accessible for cleaning, ideally with access to water nearby.
Related Article: You Can’t Afford to Make These 7 Air Conditioning Installation Mistakes.
The Parking Garage: The unfortunate consequences when you focus on the lowest price for air conditioning in NYC
In the Season 3 episode, “The Parking Garage,” the gang decides to take a trip out to a New Jersey mall in search of the “world’s cheapest air conditioner.”
As it turns out, they do get the bargain AC unit, but suffer some regrettable consequences as they wander around lost in the mall’s parking garage. Kramer is forced to lug the 180 pound unit around for hours, Elaine jeopardizes the life of her new pet fish, and George is late for his parents’ anniversary dinner.
Like Jerry and friends, you may be tempted to make price your highest priority when you need new air conditioning in NYC. But if you do, you’ll likely face more serious consequences than sore muscles or losing a goldfish.
CONSEQUENCE #1: Higher energy bills
When you choose an air conditioner based on price alone, you’ll be sacrificing energy efficiency. The most efficient new air conditioning in NYC will cost a bit more than the cheapest units, but with higher SEER ratings, they provide better cooling with less energy use. The money you save on your electric bills more than makes up for the additional upfront cost of the air conditioner.
Related article: Understanding Air Conditioning HVAC Energy Efficiency Ratings.
CONSEQUENCE #2: Giving up control and comfort
The cheapest air conditioning in NYC will come with limited ability to control the humidity and air quality in your space. Today’s new air conditioning systems offer a range of sophisticated controls and add-on features that enhance your comfort. These are just a few of the features you’ll give up by going with the lowest price:
- Programmable thermostats that you can control via a Wifi app from your smart phone or tablet.
- Central humidifiers that control the humidity that damages your furnishings, your hairstyle and your health.
- Air purifiers that remove dust, mold, smog, bacteria and viruses from the air circulated throughout your home’s HVAC system.
Related Article: 3 Must-Have HVAC Features That Enhance Indoor Air Quality & Comfort.
So the next time you find yourself in the market for new air conditioning in NYC, remember these lessons from Seinfeld.
For air conditioning help that won’t backfire on you, reach out to the HVAC experts instead of your neighbor across the hall. We can help you figure out how much you can save with a more efficient unit, and advise you about those must-have features and if they make sense for you.
We can even advise you about when to repair or replace your ailing system. Want to learn more? Grab a copy of our free guide: Repair or Replace? A guide to making an informed choice when your HVAC system is down.
