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 Unqualified or Unlicensed Contractor
Picking the right
heating
contractor 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.
2. Getting Only One 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? Are permits included in the estimate?
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 system? Your experience with the Sales Consultant could be
a good indicator as to what type of service to expect from that
contractor later on.
3. Always Going for the Lowest Price
You should always 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 necessarily mean the best value. For example, the
less expensive contractor might not offer valuable services such as
24-hour emergency response or maintenance and service agreements
after the installation.
4. Thinking Price is the Only Factor
The purchase price should not be the only important factor in your
decision. The noise level of your new 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 ratings – be sure the
Sales Consultant fully explains what these numbers mean). Choosing
the right product for your lifestyle will allow you to live
comfortably and save money.
5. Ignoring the Fine Print in the 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
contractor provides you with a written warranty form for your
records.
6. Forgetting to Ask About Insurance and WSIB Coverage
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.
Always make sure the contractor is in good standing with the
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. For large jobs, you may want
to request a copy of their latest WSIB certificate.
7. Making Too Big of a Deposit
Holmes Heating Inc. does not request a deposit, unless the equipment
is unique and subject to re-stocking charges in the event of an
order cancellation. If a deposit is required, it should never be
more than 20% of the total job and all payments should be made
directly to the company named in the contract.
8. Not Asking for References
Reputable contractors will be more than willing to provide you with
the names and addresses of customers they have done work for. Ask
neighbors, family, friends and co-workers their opinion of any
contractor they’ve used in the past.
9. Believing Your System Will Never Break Down
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 capability. 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 11 p.m. or on weekends? How quickly can they
be there if you have no heat? Holmes Heating Inc. guarantees a
4-hour emergency no-heat response time to keep you warm in case your
furnace quits in the middle 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). Holmes
Heating Inc. provides all of its customers with a free training DVD,
which outlines these procedures, step-by-step, in a friendly and
courteous manner.
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
Holmes Heating for all of your heating and air conditioning needs.
www.HolmesHeating.com
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