The Better Business Bureau has published information to help guide consumers that are thinking of buying an air conditioner:

The reputations of the company you buy from and that of the manufacturer are all important. Find out if the firm that wants to sell you a unit also installs and services it, and, how much they charge to remove and dispose of your old unit, in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency. A reputable firm will have invested $25,000 in service facilities, a sign it will stand behind its work and that it expects to be around for a long time. Be especially wary of companies that "farm out" installation and service, as they usually entail greater risks and inconvenience. You should also make sure that they carry adequate insurance, especially in the case of many appliance stores. They may farm out the installation to service firms that do not carry sufficient insurance.

Remember that "price cutters" often can not assure proper installation or service, and, that some of them sell old and little-known models for which replacement parts may not be readily available. The consumer will have little or no recourse from such firms if he or she is dissatisfied. A good firm will inquire about conditions in your room and home, particularly the area to be cooled, either by questions over the phone or a survey of the premises. It will work up a plan tailored just for you, because the company recognizes its responsibility to do the job right. In the long run, you will save money, enjoy greater comfort, and avoid major problems.

A good installer will check the electrical current available from either or both a 120 volt single phase or three-phase 220 volt line, and will arrange for adequate facilities as required.

Find out what the guarantee includes and who backs it. The consumer is best off with a local, reputable firm with adequate facilities to repair and service a unit - otherwise the so-called guarantee is little more than a piece of paper.

Be especially mindful of price cutters and other companies that do not inform consumers, up front, that delivery and installation are extra. Make sure any estimate includes the price of delivery and installation, and, all work necessary for proper installation.

Make sure the company carries sufficient (e.g., $5 - 10 million) liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.

Any ompany can make claims about the cleaning abilities of the overall unit and of its filter. However, if the environment around the air conditioner's locale is especially dirty, or, has impurities harmful to people with allergies or asthma, a check out and thorough cleaning are vital. That cannot be accomplished by simply changing a filter and/or vacuuming the unit. A reputable firm will offer and recommend a Spring Checkout service, akin to tuning up a car's engine, to determine if a thorough cleaning is needed. Another consideration is a facility for storage during the Fall and Winter months, to cut down on wintry drafts and other problems. Off-season storage will make a unit last longer and run more efficiently.

The air conditioner must do the four basic jobs: dehumidify, circulate, and produce cool, clean air. It is much more advanced than a big fan advertised as an air conditioner, or, an air cooler. The fans and the coolers do not meet the definition of air conditioning in the Better Business Bureau codes of advertising and selling.

Don't be shy about asking questions or getting advice and guidance, about standards and other considerations. Find out if the firm you plan to deal with is a member of a reputable trade group that has specific standards and programs designed for your protection. One example is New York City's Department of Consumer Affairs.

Be wary of price cutters whose prices are unrealistically low, as that is usually the sign of a lack of quality or an inferior unit. Make sure the installation will not be slipshod or even dangerously insecure. When the price range for a given BTU rating varies considerably, learn about the differences from unit to unit, as that can be critical. Buy from the firms whose reputations are beyond any question, and whose air conditioners will give you the best value over the long run.