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Thank you very much for visiting our website. I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide you with this information about heating and cooling systems and help you choose a heating and a/c contractor.
I am NATE Certified and owner of Airedale Air Heating & A/C, inc. dba HVAC-AL. I’ve been in the HVAC business for over 37 years. In that time, I’ve learned that most consumers don’t know the difference between what makes a good efficient heating or cooling system and a bad one. In fact, most people have so many misconceptions about heating and cooling equipment that I’ve decided to offer this consumer education message so when you select a heating or cooling contractor, you can make an informed intelligent decision.
In just a moment, I’ll share with you some costly misconceptions about heating and cooling equipment. I’ll also offer some recommendations. I’ll give you questions you should ask a contractor before you invite him into your home.
If you’d like to speak with me personally, please feel free to call me at 713.620.8307.
MISCONCEPTION #1: As long as it’s running its O.K.
Not necessarily. Equipment often appears to be running fine but may be on the brink of failure. Furnaces can have cracked heat exchangers and appear to run properly. However, they are leaking carbon monoxide, setting up a very dangerous situation. Air conditioners will run low on refrigerant but have to run harder and longer. This can eventually lead to equipment failure. Just because it runs when you want it doesn’t mean there’s not a serious problem.
MISCONCEPTION #2: Changing filters is all the maintenance you need.
That’s a good start but more should be done. Changing and keeping filters clean is critical to maintaining the proper airflow through your equipment. However, there are numerous things that should be done regularly. The blower should be inspected and lubed. Refrigerant level and thermocouples checked. Burners adjusted and cleaned, You see it’s more than just changing filters.
MISCONCEPTION #3: It’s normal for some rooms to be hotter or cooler than others.
NO. Each room should maintain proper temperature. With a properly designed air distribution system all rooms should be comfortable. A properly designed system will have different size ducts and registers serving each room. The ducts and registers should only be identical if the rooms are identical and that is unusual. The ducts should also have adjustable dampers for adjusting the airflow to each area.
MISCONCEPTION #4: Indoor air quality is not a problem at my house.
Not true. All houses have indoor air quality problems – they just differ in severity. All houses have some problems with dust. It is usually most noticeable right after you’ve dusted or when company is coming over. In the springtime, pollen can be a big problem. If you have pets, there’s pet hair and dander that can get in your air. There are also fumes from painting, hairspray, cooking, and who knows what else. Plastic in your house is always giving off molecules as it sets up. If you have allergies, all these problems feel amplified by your sneezing and runny nose. All houses have indoor air pollution, some are just worst than others.
MISCONCEPTION #5: Service contracts are a waste of money.
No. Regular service is critical to making your equipment last a long time and run efficiently. Regular service also can detect small problems before they become more serious. No one wants their system to fail on the hottest or coldest day of the year. Regular servicing helps keep your system in tiptop shape and pays for itself in the long run.
MISCONCEPTION #6: The company that offers the lowest price is the company you should hire.
Maybe – but not always. Here are a few points to consider—-
POINT #1: The price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed. Before you select a company, decide what you want to accomplish.
Price is usually an indication of quality. More efficient equipment costs more. Better trained service people cost more. Reliable service and products cost more. You don’t buy the cheapest car, clothes or foods. Don’t let price be the deciding factor when choosing a contractor.
POINT #2: The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay.
Many homeowners have learned that the low price they saw advertised was not the amount they were charged. Be sure and ask what other fees might be incurred.
If you are thinking about having your heating and/or cooling system serviced or replaced, I offer these four recommendations:
Recommendation #1: Make a commitment to yourself to get your equipment serviced. The longer you wait, the sooner it’ll wear out. Seriously consider a service contract. Regular service will extend the life of your equipment and help maintain its efficiency.
Recommendation #2: Do something about indoor air pollution. Maintain good quality air in your home. This begins by regularly changing your filter. Next, consider an electronic air cleaner or media filter. In some instances, duct cleaning and/or sanitizing may be beneficial. Indoor air quality can also be improved with the introduction of a fresh air intake or ERV.
Recommendation #3: Ask questions. The way you learn about a company is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are a few questions I suggest you ask:
1. Are you licensed?
2. Are you certified to recover air conditioning refrigerant?
3. Can you give me references of recent customers?
4. Do you offer financing or accept credit cards?
5. What training have you had in the last year?
6. Are you a member of any trade associations and, if so, which ones?
7. Can you be reached in an emergency?
8. Do you guarantee/warranty your work? If yes, how long?
Recommendation #4: Once you’re satisfied that you are working with an honest, competent professional, invite him into your home and ask for a free equipment assessment.
By following these recommendations, you’ll gain all the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision. If you want cheap equipment or service, many companies in the phone book can help you.
BUT, if you want great service by a well-qualified contractor, who can service your equipiment completely and thoroughly – removing bacteria, fungus, chemicals, pollens, and tobacco products from your system and indoor air, then I invite you to call me.
I’ll be happy to answer your questions and come into your home and give you a free equipment assessment and proposal/quotation – without obligation of any kind. TO REACH ME CALL 713.620.8307.
Tags: air quality | NATE