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Tips for selecting the right heating
contractor for your home.
- The real key to any heating and cooling
system is the quality of the installation. As companies have improved their
manufacturing processes many of the top brands are very similar in quality.
Therefore the one item that makes a difference is how it is installed. If a
system is correctly designed, sized, installed and maintained in your home it
will work at peak efficiency for many years giving you the best overall comfort
level.
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Tell your contractor
every problem you are experiencing from hot or cold rooms to excessive dust.
This way he will be able to properly evaluate what you need and ask him about
all of the extra comfort items: air purification systems, humidifiers,
programmable and temperature limiting thermostats and air duct sealing.
Here is a check list to use when looking for a contractor.
- Check their credentials.
Before making a choice make sure there are no negative claims with the
BBB.
- Check for an affiliation with a manufacturer.
While this is not required you may want to go with a brand they are
factory trained with.
- Ask for references.
Former customers is one of the best ways to determine a good contractor.
- Expect them to do an onsite audit of your home. A good contractor will have to spend a considerable amount of time inspecting
your home heating and cooling system to determine your overall comfort needs.
- Check for state license and insurance. This may be different depending on where you live but a contractor may have to
comply with certain local or state regulations. In the state of North Carolina
you must have a license issued by the NC State Board of Plumbing, Heating and
Fire Sprinkler Examiners. You need to verify your selected contractor has
worker's compensation and public liability insurance coverage.
- Ask questions.
Your contractor would prefer this. This way he can get to know you and
what you expect and you will get to know him or her, you should also end up
with the finished comfortable home you seek.
- Get an estimate of all cost. If you are going to get more than one estimate make sure they are for the same
things. The same size/capacity system, same efficiency, same accessories like
electrical disconnect boxes, thermostats, copper wiring, etc. Verify the
quality of workmanship, the guarantee and the warranty are the same. Be wary
of the contractors who offer very low prices, they may be cutting corners or
bidding low just to get in the door then hit you with a bill for all the
smaller components actually required to do your job.
- Ask specifically about Guarantees and Parts and Labor Warranties.
Have the terms explained to you so that you understand them clearly. Ask about
any manufacturer's extended warranties and how they may benefit you.
- Ask about preventative maintenance and service policies.
Ask your contractor if he or she offers maintenance agreements. if so get one,
they will keep your new expensive equipment running it's best for as long as
possible.
Lastly,
- Get a written contract. You want a commitment from your contractor as well as your commitment to him
or her. Verify and understand payment terms and any financing options before
the job begins.
Following these guidelines should
take the fear and frustration out of hiring a contractor to work on the biggest
appliance in your home, which by the way is usually the third most expensive
thing most people purchase in their lifetime.
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