Purchasing a new heating, cooling or air quality system for your home is one of the most important buying decisions you and your family will make. Before committing to such a large investment, it’s important to do your research and ask some serious questions so you can avoid making the following mistakes:

1. Choosing an   Unlicensed Contractor   Furnace service and Furnace repairs

Picking the right heating contractor for you furnace replacement could be the most important part of the furnace or air conditioner buying process yet most people don’t ask enough questions to make sure the contractor is properly qualified and experienced for the installation. Always ask if they are members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

 All required trade licenses and provincial certifications

 Liability insurance up to $5,000,000

 Technical Safety and Standards (.T.S.S.A.) registration

 Compliance with Dispute Resolution Process

 Compliance with Ontario Environmental Regulations

BBB members are part of a nationwide organization dedicated to upholding the highest level of integrity and ethics in customer service, communications, advertising and dispute resolution.

2. Getting an Estimate

When you’re shopping for a new gas furnace or central air conditioner, you should always get more than one estimate. Ensure that each estimate is written on a proper form and always take the time to review and compare the quality of the equipment and warranties offered. Does the estimate include the removal of old equipment and materials? Does the furnace contractor prepare your home to assure your floors are protected etc.

Be sure to pay attention to the Sales Consultant to see how knowledgeable and professional they are. How long have they been in the business? Did they explain all of the rebates that are available for your heating system? Your experience with the Sales person could be a good indicator as to what type of service to expect from that contractor in the future.

3. Don't always go for the lowest price.

You should try and  select a contractor that promotes the quality of their installation service and equipment at reasonable rates, rather than just picking the one that offers the lowest price. The lowest price does not  mean the best value. For example, the less expensive contractor might not offer valuable services such as 24hr. emergency response or maintenance and service agreements after the furnace installation.

4. Price

The purchase price should not be the only important factor in your decision. The noise level of your new heating system is something you will have to live with everyday, while the energy efficiency of the system will determine how much your heating or cooling costs will be (energy efficiency is determined by the SEER rating be sure the Sales person  explains what these numbers mean. Choosing the right product for your home will allow you to live comfortably and save energy.

5.  Warranty

It is important to fully understand the warranty that is being provided by each contractor. You should always inquire if the warranty covers parts only or both parts and labor. Also ask if there any extra charges above and beyond the warranty coverage, such as an after hours service labor charge. Always ensure that the heating contractor provides you with a written warranty form for your records.

6. Insurance

The contractor you deal with should always have public liability and property damage insurance. If sub-contractors are utilized, the contractor should also have the proper liability insurance. If the contractor isn’t insured, you could be held fully responsible for any damages to the equipment or your home during the installation process as well as any medical costs if an installer is hurt on the job.

7.  Deposit

We do not. request a deposit, unless the equipment is unique and subject to restocking charges in the event of a cancellation. If a deposit is required, it should never be more than 25% of the total job and all payments should be made directly to the company named in the contract.

8.  References

Reputable contractors will be more than willing to provide you with the names and addresses of customers they have done work for. Ask your neighbors, family, and  friends and coworkers for their opinion of any furnace or heating contractor they’ve used in the past.

9. Break downs

In case something goes wrong with your system, it’s always a good idea to make sure that the company you choose has after sales service . Inquire if they have a full service department and ask how many service vehicles they have on the road. Do they respond to calls after midnight. or on weekends. How quickly can they be there if you have no heat. We guarantees a  emergency no-heat response time to keep you warm in case your furnace quits in the dead of winter.

10. Lack of Proper Training or Instruction

Most contractors have a habit of installing the furnace or air conditioner and then leaving without explaining how to properly operate or maintain the system. This leaves you, the homeowner, with the task of trying to figure out exactly how to reset electronic thermostats and replace furnace filters (which can become quite costly if not done properly).

 

Whether you're shopping for a new gas furnace or central air conditioner or you're looking for air quality and duct cleaning service to keep your family healthy, you can count on us for all of your heating and air conditioning needs.