Air conditioning is an expensive necessity in the Cayman Islands and can have the biggest impact on your electricity bill.
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With the help of one of Cayman's reputable air conditioning contractors you can effectively manage costs and keep your air conditioning system running efficiently.
Air Conditioning Contractors
Considering the potential costly fall-out for an incorrectly installed or ill-suited air conditioning unit, it is a good idea to seek the help of an expert. Some risks of an incorrectly installed air conditioning unit include increased energy costs, poor airflow and air-quality and slow responses.
A professional air conditioning contractor will help you avoid these common issues and have the answer to your questions on size, budget, ductwork and energy-efficieny when choosing the right air conditioning system. After installation, they can provide regular maintenance to ensure everything is running smoothly and any issues are rectified before they become the reason for a big bill.
Although the cost of quarterly maintenance is often similar, some companies will include the cost of new filters, whereas others will not.
Below are a few reputable local contractors who can advise, install, maintain and repair A/C systems:
Air Conditioning Tips
- Keep the temperature at the highest setting you feel comfortable with as it will help reduce costs. Using an overhead fan, especially during the winter months, when a fan may be all you need in the mornings and evenings also helps reduce costs.
- Save electricity by closing curtains or blinds during the day, and make sure your air filters are clean and that your home is well insulated.
- Ask your AC contractor to take a photo inside your AC ducts to check whether mould is growing. Fiberglass air conditioning ductwork is designed to last a maximum of 10-15 years, but in Cayman, with our humidity, that can be more like 7-12 years. If mould is growing in your fibreglass ductwork then your apartment will smell musty and it must be replaced urgently. There is a new fibreglass-free AC duct work called KoolDuct and mould cannot grow in it. It is worth asking your landlord how often they service their AC units and how old the ductwork in the roof is.
- Make sure the system has a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) when selecting an air conditioning system, presuming you are getting a new one. This can make a big difference to your energy consumption. For more tips on living green in Cayman, see the Being Green page.
- Make sure to ask about the previous AC maintenance record when buying a condo or house. It is also worth getting an MEP report done to see how old the AC units are and how the ductwork looks. Buying two new AC systems, and all new ductwork, in a two-bedroom house can cost you anywhere from CI$16,000 to CI$24,000 depending on the SEER of units you buy and what sort of ductwork you want. Then, investing in quarterly AC maintenance is essential.
- Ensure that you have your air conditioning unit regularly maintained by a professional company to maximise its efficiency.
