![]() ![]() Understand the license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state or province. You can also do routine maintenance yourself by replacing disposable filters as needed or cleaning permanent ones.īefore calling a heating or cooling contractor, check what model system you own and the maintenance history for the system. Spring or early summer are the best times for servicing cooling systems, while summer or fall are ideal for servicing your furnace. So be sure to have it checked every year by a qualified technician. Keeping your system well-maintained will prolong the system's life and save you money. Is the guarantee or warranty disclosed? Is the entire job under warranty or only certain materials? Is labor included in the guarantee? Who will make good on the guarantee - the dealer or the manufacturer? Of course, remember the guarantee is only as good as the firm that offers it. Because service contracts vary significantly in coverage, compare the coverage offered by several companies. If you sign a service contract, be sure it spells out what parts and services are provided and doesn't duplicate coverage you already have under the warranty. ![]() If your system is new, it probably comes with a warranty, which is included in the system's purchase price. Before purchasing a service contract, weigh its cost and coverage against the cost and likelihood of future repairs. Many contractors also offer service contracts under which they will inspect and service your equipment once a year and provide emergency repair service. See that this is in the written agreement. The contractor you choose should provide at least one call back free of charge after installation to check the system. Ensure the service and products of the contractor you use will provide the maximum benefit in comfort and value. Ask each contractor to explain how the estimate of the required heating capacity and equipment was determined. Check the size and rated efficiency of the equipment each contractor recommends. If they are approved, it means they meet the requirements, and the manufacturer trusts them to install and represent the product.Ĭompare more than just cost. Be sure to check with your energy provider for more information.Įnsure any contractor you hire to install your system is an approved, authorized dealer by the manufacturer. Sometimes you may be eligible for cash rebates or tax breaks from your energy provider for buying and using energy-efficient products. Consider the purchase price and estimated operating costs when deciding what to buy. Compare the energy efficiencies and operating costs of competing models. Ask your builder, installer, or home supply outlet about the EnergyGuide label and the fact sheets or product directories for each system you are considering. But many products beat the standard, use even less energy, and cost less to run. All products must meet minimum energy efficiency standards set by the Department of Energy in the United States and Natural Resources Canada. Will the product do the job? What's its repair history? Will it handle your needs today? Ten years from now? Does it fit your budget? How energy efficient is it?Ĭonsider energy efficiency from the start. This may enable you to install a smaller, less expensive heating or cooling system to get the same results.Ĭompare the performance of different brands and models. Check the caulking, weather stripping, and insulation, and make necessary repairs. You should also take steps to weatherize your home. You can also hire a specialist to do a more comprehensive energy audit (though this will probably cost you more). ![]() Your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy audits or a do-it-yourself kit. This will help you detect energy waste, gauge the efficiency of your current heating and cooling systems, and determine if conditioned air is moving properly. Many things you should consider when hiring an HVAC contractor are consistent with what to consider when hiring any contractor. There are also considerations specific to heating and cooling.īefore you buy, conduct an energy audit. And with heating and cooling among the largest energy expenses in the typical home, you must maintain your system for efficiency. The total cost of any appliance, including heating and cooling systems, has three components - the purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate it. You may consider buying or servicing your existing heating and air conditioning system as the weather changes. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |