Heed Furnace Repair Recommendations To Find Good Service
Wintertime doesn’t make the best time to get your home heating system serviced. When it’s necessary, though, be prepared for top-dollar prices and possibly a longer wait than usual. No matter when your get your home system repair or maintained, following the furnace repair recommendations of consumer advocates will help assure good service.
Consumer protection organizations such as the Better Business Bureau offer several tips for choosing a reputable and qualified furnace repair service.
First, never hire anyone who solicits your business blindly over the telephone, even if they offer “free” or “low cost” air conditioner. In most cases, these solicitors are simply trying to get someone into your home to take a quick look at your heater and then frighten you with a report that you have serious, possibly even hazardous, defects in your furnace. If the solicitor tries to pressure you over the telephone, just hang up. Yes, it’s rude, but you don’t owe a stranger any courtesy when they try to intrude on your life.
Refuse to hire anyone who rings your doorbell offering to clean the air ducts with a “shop-vac.” It takes a high-volume or steam-clean vacuum system to clean heating ducts properly
Also beware of signing a contract with a firm whose “inspector” insists that the furnace presents a danger to your home’s inhabitants. Before hiring someone who makes this kind of claim, demand a written report on the hazard that you can take to the local utility service for review. If the company refuses to give you written statement, throw them out of your house and report them immediately to local authorities. In doing so you may save one of your neighbors from getting scammed.
Seek out at least three written estimates from independent, qualified service companies if an inspector says the home furnace needs repairs or replacement. Be sure that each inspection report and estimate includes full descriptions of the services required, the materials that will be used, the total price, warranty on parts and labor and the energy efficiency rating of a new unit if one is called for.
The best way to avoid getting scammed in home heating is to keep up with furnace maintenance. Homeowners can clean the air return vents themselves with a vacuum cleaner. Also, changing the filter regularly, at least once a month especially in winter, will help keep the furnace working well.
If it turns out that the furnace really does need repair or replacement, check the original warranty to determine whether repairs are covered. Some warranties require that the furnace receive annual maintenance in order to keep the warranty valid. If you must buy a new furnace, don’t choose a unit that’s too big for your household needs. You’ll only waste money.
To keep the furnace in good working order, as well as keeping the warranty in force, get the unit cleaned and tested on a yearly basis. Gas heating systems should be cleaned at least every other year, while units that run on fuel oil must be cleaned annually.
Another way to avoid heating scams is to sign an annual service contract with a reputable home repair and service company. More than likely you’ll get a discount on services with a yearly contract, as well as being assured of regular maintenance.
If you must choose a repair firm, be sure to ask specific questions about the required service. Write down the make, year, model and special features of your home heating unit. Then ask the company for a full estimate, including the total price, for repairing or replacing your unit.
Heeding these furnace repair recommendations will keep you warm and happy when it’s cold outside.
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