Making The Right Decision

Avoiding the Four Biggest Mistakes When Replacing a Heating and Air Conditioning System
Replacing a heating and air conditioning system is a big decision and investment. Yet, when it comes time to making the purchase, far too many homeowners buy the wrong equipment for the wrong reasons: wrong information; pressure to purchase; settle for anything.

Because this is such a big purchase, it is important to use critical decision making skills and not rush into the purchase. Doing your homework, using sound judgment and taking your time will help you to avoid these common and costly mistakes:

MISTAKE #1::Buying The Wrong Size Equipment
The Department of Energy states that a large percentage of people who replace their heating and air conditioning systems end up installing the wrong size equipment. The results are scary: high utility bills, buildup of unhealthy mold in the ductwork, damaged equipment and uncomfortable living conditions. This can easily be avoided by making sure you get an accurate load calculation from your contractor. The load calculation is determined by your home’s physical characteristics and takes into account your family’s personal needs. This, along with a detailed system analysis, will correctly verify the proper size equipment needed for your home.

MISTAKE #2::Using Untrustworthy and Unqualified Contractors
Choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between having a horribly, expensive experience you’ll never forget and an experience you can’t wait to share with friends and family. Here are some steps to take to make sure you choose the right contractor for you:

• Research. Doing a little homework on the work to be performed will set you up for success in choosing the right contractor for your job. You don’t need to become a technical expert, but a little research will help you ask the right questions and be able to assess the contractor’s answers and experience.
• Get 3 – 4 contractor referrals from people you know and trust. Referrals from the people you know and have had hands on experience from the contractor goes a lot further than references from people you don’t know. You are more likely to get both positive and negative feedback from people you know.
• After identifying a few prospects, make sure each prospect is located locally and has a physical address. Then, call the Better Business Bureau to verify the company information.
• Interview contractors. Make sure you take time to meet with each contractor and go through your list of questions.

MISTAKE #3::Choosing the Lowest Price
If you get a bid that is significantly lower than the others, it’s probably too good to be true. It’s good to remember that sometimes, you get what you pay for. Essentially every contractor is installing the same heating and air conditioning equipment and in many cases the only difference is the name on the outside of the equipment...not the price of the equipment. Also, there are laws that regulate how systems are installed so when bids are lower, you are saving on installation costs vs. equipment costs. That begs the questions, are the technicians qualified? Are they taking any shortcuts? Are they leaving anything out? Are they cutting corners just to get the work?

MISTAKE #4::Not Getting a Written Guarantee
Make sure the contractor you choose stands behind the products and services they offer. If they don’t provide you with a written no-hassle, no-questions asked warranty you may not want to use them. You need to make sure the you and your family are protected from any unforeseen breakdowns. Also make sure the guarantee includes a performance guarantee, investment guarantee and a real 100% satisfaction guarantee.