10 Signs You’re Hiring the Right Air Conditioning Company
Choosing a good contractor to install a new furnace or central air conditioner can be as important as the brand of equipment you choose, because proper installation and maintenance is needed for the equipment to operate safely, reliably and efficiently. Here are some suggestions for selecting a reputable and trustworthy air conditioning company this summer.
Do Your Research
Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state. Also make note of any uncomfortable rooms. This will help potential contractors better understand your needs and offer solutions to any heating or cooling problems.
Ask for Referrals for an Air Conditioning Company
Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for HVAC contractor referrals. The best contractors get work through satisfied customers’ referrals. You can also contact local trade organizations for names of members in your area.
Call the BBB
Find out about the contractor’s installation and service performance by contacting your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). Ask them what the potential air conditioning company’s overall rating is and what it is based on. Check out Armstrong’s business profile on BBB here.
Find Special Offers
A cooling system is one of the largest purchases you’ll make as a homeowner. Keep your costs down by checking around for available rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified cooling equipment. Begin your search atwww.energystar.gov. Also check out the website of the brand that you are considering, such aswww.Lennox.com.
Look for ENERGY STAR Products
ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings. Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR cooling equipment. Using their cooling-load calculations, contractors should be able to estimate the annual operating costs (energy bills) for the equipment they are proposing for your home.
Expect a Home Evaluation
The contractor should spend time inspecting your current AC system and home to assess your needs. Many central air conditioners are not properly sized for the homes they serve, because of improper sizing years ago or energy efficiency improvements. A bigger AC system isn’t always better; a contractor should size the cooling system based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows. A good contractor will inspect your insulation and duct system for air leaks (if applicable) and measure airflow to make sure it meets manufacturers’ specifications. A reputable contractor should do a survey of your home and base his proposal on a cooling-load calculation.
Get Written Estimates
When comparing contractors’ proposals (bids), be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. The lowest price may not be the best deal if it’s not the most efficient, because your energy costs will be higher. Do not give your business to a company offering to give you an estimate over the phone without ever looking at the job to be done.
Look for Value
Good contractors may charge more, but offer greater value. Be skeptical of extremely low bids; those contractors may not be including all routine services and customary warranties.
Get It on Paper
Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It’ll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.
Call Armstrong, a Reliable & Trustworthy Air Conditioning Company
The way a company treats you now reflects how they will treat you if there is a problem. Be sure the company you choose offers you a 100% satisfaction guarantee in return.
Give Armstrong a call today for all your HVAC needs this summer. When it comes to AC installations, repairs, and replacements, no one does it better than Armstrong.Schedule an appointment today!
