There are many components to a central heating and cooling system from the actual machinery to the air duct system throughout your home. Annette Floridia is an expert in the heating and air conditioning industry and she stresses the importance of ensuring that the company installing or working on your system is a qualified specialist. "We (our company) are Trane Comfort Specialists. We are trained to install Trane units. You can buy a good unit and if somebody doesn't know what they are doing with regards to installation, you can still have problems with it. Installation and the workmanship that a company has behind them are very, very important," she says.
She suggests verifying the qualifications of a potential technician or company by asking them to give you references or the names of people they have done work for that you can call. She says getting a recommendation from a customer, checking on how long they have been in the area, their customer satisfaction rating, and their work ethics for employees can make all the difference between a good and a bad experience with a heating and air specialist. She also reminds readers that you can never be too safe about people who come into your home.
The other questions you should ask include inquiring about warranties and maintenance contracts. When you work with a company that specializes in a particular brand or model of heating and air conditioning equipment they are better prepared to honor any warranties and special maintenance needs that unit may have. You will also want to verify that the company and its technicians are properly licensed, certified, insured, and bonded. Don't be afraid to ask to see copies of these qualifications.
You should be able to assemble a list of heating and air technicians and companies from your local phone book or a local website that publishes home services information. Many heating and air conditioning companies now have their own websites and you can find out more about them in this way. If you have trouble finding a list of potential heating and air companies or technicians you may want to ask friends, coworkers, and neighbors who have recently had work done on their homes if they can recommend someone. Referrals are often the best method for finding a reputable contractor to work on your heating and cooling system. Another way to find quality technicians is to visit either a building contractor or a store that sells supplies and equipment. You can ask the contractor or store manager for referrals of companies that are consistent in their work, make timely payments, and have good work ethics. Just be sure not to interrupt a store manager or contractor while they are busy with another customer or employee. Plan your visit during the afternoon when business is slower.
