• Trim plants and bushes around the unit to provide at least twelve (12) inches of clearance for airflow.
• Keep pets away from the outdoor unit, as the acid in pet urine is a corrosive substance that will deteriorate the metal.
• Have the unit services annually to maintain cleanliness and ensure proper airflow.

In making this decision, there are three factors to consider:

1. Life Expectancy of Current System: The first thing to take into account is the age of your equipment. When your equipment breaks down, you may be tempted to go the immediate, least expensive route of repairing. However, should your equipment be getting up there in age, it is more likely that repairs will be frequent, and it may actually be more cost-efficient in the long run to replace the equipment instead of paying for many repairs…and then paying for the replacement.
2. Operating Cost: As equipment ages, it becomes less and less efficient. Even six-year-old heat pumps and air conditioners are considered grossly inefficient by today’s energy standards. Repairing your equipment may fix the immediate problem, but does not address energy efficiency, so that needs to be factored into overall costs. Installing a new heating and cooling system can actually pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short time.
3. Looking at the Big Picture: Although you may be tempted to only address the broken down component, make sure to all components of your system as they all work together to boost efficiency and reliability. For example, should you replace your furnace with a new model but leave the old thermostat, you are missing out on the efficiencies of the newer furnace. In addition, you can save on installation costs if you upgrade several components at the same time.

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 detailed system analysis, will correctly verify the proper size of equipment needed for your home.

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?

Installation Delays: You shouldn’t have to wait days for a heating and air conditioning estimate or even longer to have your system installed. A lot of companies hire helpers or high school co-op students to work with mechanics. Because mechanics don’t specialize in installing any particular type of system and they lack support, installations can be delayed.

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 with the contractor go 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.

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 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.

Let our friendly and experienced team of Comfort Consultants give you a free Home Comfort System Analysis. They’ll study and discuss any concerns/problems that you may have with your current comfort system. They’ll review all system recommendation options and help you with finding the best home comfort system that meets all your family’s needs and budget.