There is little else that is as frustrating during the hot summer time than a failing air conditioner that runs but does not cool the home as it should. The worst part is the problem could have been avoided with preventative HVAC maintenance. A good HVAC repair technician can help fix the problem, and they can also contract with you to inspect and maintain the heating and cooling systems regularly so that the unit operates properly at all times.
There are some tasks you can do on your own. Check to see if the airflow is being restricted by a dirty air filter and replace it. If you have a weaker airflow, contact your HVAC repair technician. It could be that the ducts or blower have a bigger problem that they will need to fix.
Before you hire any HVAC repair technician, you want to know the following four things:
“If it sounds too good to be true” is the beginning of a very true adage. If an HVAC company offers you a deal that is much cheaper than any other company, you want to use some caution. Be aware of companies that promise you free service calls. These companies often pad repair and replacement quotes to compensate for anything “free”.
No one wants to pay more for HVAC services than they have to. But, you want to be careful that you get an honest offer or quote for service. You do not want to hire a contractor who is cutting corners by not following manufacturer’s specifications.
Proper repair and maintenance are crucial to your air conditioner working smoothly for many years. Improper or cheap service can do more harm to your AC than good.
Be careful about dealing with companies that do not have a good deal of history. Did you know that one in five HVAC companies fails every year? The longer a company has been in business, the better off you are. Look for a company that has weather economic ups and downs for several years. If they have been in business for generations and are family owned, that is often a good sign.
Choose your HVAC contractor based on referrals from friends and family or from an online listing. Be careful choosing a company from the Yellow Pages. The ads in this resource can sometimes be misleading.
The best time to choose an HVAC repair technician is before you need them. That is, you want to choose a company before you experience a problem with your air conditioner. If you are experiencing an emergency and you go to look for help, chances are you will rush and make a mistake when you hire a contractor. Always look for a company before you need them.
When you find an HVAC company you like, get on a maintenance plan with them. This type of plan costs you some money during the year, but you get your HVAC system checked, cleaned and maintained a few times a year. This can improve your HVAC as well as prevent a costly breakdown.
In addition to this, your HVAC system will run more efficiently with regular maintenance, and it will cost less to operate. In short, getting on a regular maintenance plan will more than pay for itself in the quality of your AC and the longevity of your air conditioning system.