“Out of sight, out of mind” may seem like a good thing until your family, pets, and bank account start suffering. When it comes to budgeting household expenses, it can be easy to forget about the systems that don’t require much attention.
However, your home’s heating and air conditioning should not be ignored, no matter how “out of sight” it may seem. Doing so will only lead to higher repair, and possibly even replacement, costs that could have been avoided with a little foresight and planning.
1. Stocked Service Vans
When a homeowner hires the right company to service or repair their HVAC system, they expect the technicians to be on-time and fully prepared to complete the work within the estimated time. When someone calls for heating and air repairs, they may not know exactly what is wrong with the unit.
A well-established heating and air company won’t need you to be an expert in the operation of your system. Instead, their scheduling will be done in such a way to accommodate your life, while also ensuring plenty of time to assess and complete the needed work in a timely manner. Additionally, the vans need to be stocked with every tool and piece of equipment that may be needed for the repairs. These well-regarded policies will reduce the chances that your HVAC repairs will be delayed.
2. Factory Trained Technicians
The first mistake made by homeowners is the belief that cheaper is better. If a heating and air company or technician seems to be charging less for your repairs, it should not be taken lightly. Untrained and uncertified technicians are more likely to take longer to maintain your unit which can result in a final bill much higher than originally expected.
On the other hand, reliable HVAC companies don’t just hire experienced technicians, they also ensure these service professionals are well-prepared. Many service businesses limit the scope of their work to just a handful of brands, meaning they can supply you with factory-trained technicians ready to handle just about anything your furnace or air conditioner can throw at them. In the end, this knowledge translates into savings for both your wallet and your schedule.
3. 24-hour Availability
Oftentimes, the most pressing of emergencies happen at a time when most think there’s no way to resolve them. This is all-too-true for heating and air systems that seem to go on the blink at the most inopportune times. It may be a 120 degree Saturday during which your family and pets have little chance of finding easy relief. Other times it could be an extremely cold winter night when your heater suddenly stops working and begins putting your family’s health at risk.
Luckily, an HVAC company that offers 24-hour service has the capabilities needed to assessing your furnace or air conditioner issues. With answering services to take your call and solid dispatch procedures, you won’t have to wait until Monday morning to begin the work on your broken unit.
4. HVAC Repair & Maintenance
Sure, the unexpected does happen, but there are ways to avoid large the large repair and replacement costs associated with an ill-maintained HVAC system. Of course, an older unit may still have issues, but a little pre-planning can go a long way to saving you both time and money in the long run.
Most heating and air conditioning service companies are ready and willing to fix anything that goes wrong with your unit. Unfortunately, those companies are not available for the routine maintenance that could mean the difference between small repairs and a whole system replacement. Scheduled maintenance subscriptions offer homeowners pre-season inspections and cleanings, discounts on parts and labor, reduced after-hours rates, and priority treatment.
5. Duct Cleaning & Sealing
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the mechanical parts of an HVAC system are all you need to worry about. Your home’s ducting could be causing unseen problems including higher utility bills and poor indoor air quality.
With new duct sealing, your ventilation system will release less of your home’s controlled climate into places it isn’t needed, such as the attic space. Without it, homeowner’s energy costs will increase by as much as 30 percent. Having those ducts cleaned regularly will lead to cleaner air which is especially necessary for those who suffer from allergies.
Before you begin suffering or find your HVAC in need of expensive repairs, be sure to contact a reliable and well-trained team of technicians. One phone call will save you more than money, it can also relieve the stress of suddenly emergent repairs, and create a more healthy climate for your family.