Picking a furnace repair service is a significant decision. And when it comes to dealing with heating or air conditioning problems, you should definitely be quite selective. Coping with furnaces, and using HVAC equipment requires high efficiency and experience in order to guarantee the safety of you, your place and the environment.
You could troubleshoot the appliance and solve some issues yourself by changing the dirty air filters, checking the battery level in the thermostat, etc. However, if the problem remained, it’s time for a furnace repair service to enter the scene. Never forget that furnaces are not devices you can mess with; they could pause serious hazards, including combustion and gas-release. For the same reason, you shouldn’t let anyone come near your furnace before making sure the person is a qualified technician. Following, we present you ten tips for a mindful choice of a furnace repair service.
1 HVAC licensed services
The first thing to check when looking for a furnace repair service is whether licensed or not. The license is a necessity for HVAC contractors in many states. And there are state governments provide websites of license look-up; they offer the status of the HVAC contractors’ license. If the service you need involves repairing or installing plumbing, don’t also forget to check whether the HVAC repairing company has a plumber’s license, or have licensed plumbers among its team.
2 HVAC licensed or certified technicians
Knowing your furnace technician is an HVAC certified, you will hold no worries while he is dealing with the appliance. Among the nationally recognized and respected HVAC certifications are the North American Technician Excellence (NATE), HVAC Excellence, and the EPA 608 obtained via the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). NATE is the most important; it is the HVAC technicians’ gold standard and the most respected throughout the US.
HVAC certifications assure you that the furnace professional you will deal with have undergone specialized training which is why HVAC contractors, such as Furnace Repair Denver, emphasize that their plumbers and technicians are industry certified. Some states don’t require HVAC technicians to be certified, and in other localities, they have to be licensed. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that certifications show “that the technician has specific competencies. Some employers actively seek out industry-certified HVACR technicians”.
3 Job or training experience
The HVAC systems becoming increasingly sophisticated, having previous experience is a significant aspect you should consider when opting for a furnace repairing company. New HVAC technicians should be working alongside experienced professionals. They start with basic tasks such as cleaning furnaces. Each state has its specific requirements of an HVAC license, and the demanded years of experience differs, but ranges from 2-5 years in average. Another element of experience is to make sure that the company you’ll deal with has a relevant experience with your heating system, in case you have a system with a cutting-edge or old design.
4 Quick response and timely service
A high level of responsibility and reliability is a vital factor you should keep in mind while searching for an excellent furnace repair service. In winter, a problem in the furnace could turn a place into a freezer. So, delivering the service exactly when it’s needed is no less significant than the license, certifications, and experience; therefore many contractors highlight their timely response and availability 24/7 as a part of their high-quality service.
5 Using high-quality materials
Another indispensable detail you shouldn’t forget to inquire about is the manufacturers of the heating equipment the company’s technicians use especially when the replacement of some of the furnace’s parts is needed. Top quality materials may cost more, but they last longer. And if you prefer a specific equipment brand, limit your search to the contractors opt for it.
6 Choose the service with the most reasonable price
The overall cost of the service comprises the price of the materials needed as well as the repairing service. The expenses could be high, especially if you are installing new HVAC equipment. So, it’s advisable to demand detailed written estimates from some companies, compare them, and chose that of the most reasonable price. Emphasize that you need thorough information, including the equipment brands of course. And in case the expense is high, focus on the company that provides the best payment plan.
7 Ask for references and check the customer feedbacks
It’s always welcomed to learn about the service from other than its providers. The ideal situation would be to have a service company tried by a friend, but unfortunately, life isn’t always that easy. So, efficient companies provide their customers with a contact list of their latest customers. This way you could have fresh feedbacks and information about the different aspects of the service. You could also look for good reviews, information on furnace and HVAC websites.
8 Read the terms of service thoroughly
Another way to encompass the various sides of a prospective service provider is to read the terms of service on their websites carefully. For example, check whether the company provides safety insurance; HVAC companies often offer a liability insurance to protect the homeowner if any accidental damage occurred. You are likely going to spend a good deal of money, so you have to know the smallest detail about the service you are obtaining, and to be sure that it’s 100% suitable for you.
Besides, you could also find useful information about furnaces and their repairing, for a good company informs its customers of everything related to the field of its expertise. For example, a piece of information you should know regarding the heating system of your home is that it’s essential to regularly check for the pilot light function to observe the flowing of the gas in the tube. If the pilot light is not functioning, then the gas has escaped from the tube which is quite dangerous.
9 Seek a regular furnace maintenance service
Furnaces are high-maintenance devices. Many of their disruptions result from the lack of maintenance. Therefore, picking a prevented maintenance plan could save you money, limit unexpected problems and the need for furnace essential repairs and replacements. Doing that, you will have your furnace checked on a regular basis by an HVAC technician. No doubt that enrolling oneself in a reputed HVAC repairing company program, and having the furnace professionally maintained regularly is a stress-relieving element.
10 Considering all the previous points, the nearer, the better
Having a furnace repairing service that has all the previously stated characteristics in your locality is like winning a lottery. It will make the process easier, especially when sudden issues decide to take place at the wrong times. They will reach you quickly and save the day. Think what if your next door neighbor is a furnace repairing technician? But again, life is not a fairytale.
Summing it up, dealing with furnaces, Heating and cooling systems in general, requires experience and high level of efficiency. And choosing a furnace repair service should never be a random decision. You need to consider many factors regarding quality, convenience, reliability and fair prices. So, make your choice effective and mindful. Best of luck!