There is a hidden key factor that contributes to the comfort and desirability of any home—air conditioning. Without it, even the most beautiful homes are uncomfortable and the most efficient methods of home decor or design do nothing to improve a home’s desirability. Maintaining your HVAC system is crucial in creating an environment that will feel like home.
How can you check your HVAC system to determine if you need to have it serviced by a professional? What are the common red flags that indicate something may be wrong?
Read also: How To Customize Home HVAC For Increased Comfort And Savings
When it comes time to hire an HVAC contractor, what should you look for to ensure you get quality and professional work done? How much does an air conditioning service cost? And what all is included in a routine tune-up?
How to Check Your Heating System
There are a few steps you can run through yourself, before calling in a professional, to check the overall health of your HVAC system.
-Is your system working normally? Does the thermostat work correctly? Is the system performing its basic functions? Is the conditioned air distributed evenly throughout the house? Is the system maintaining the desired temperatures?
-Does the system run efficiently? Have there been any drastic changes in the energy or electric bill? Has there been any gradual uptrend in the electric bill, indicating a slowly growing problem?
-Is your system quiet? A well-maintained HVAC system should be relatively quiet, with no loud clanking or rattling.
-Is your system odorless? Other than the smell of burning dust at the change of the year, HVAC systems shouldn’t smell strange or abnormal.
-Is the flame used in fuel-burning systems blue? A yellow flame could indicate a lack of oxygen or the presence of carbon monoxide.
-Is the air filter clean? Are the vents and registers free of excess dust and debris?
-How clean are the various components of the entire HVAC system? Are the units free of rust, corrosion, or signs of wear?
If in the course of your inspection you have reason to suspect that something may be wrong with your HVAC system, you should call an HVAC contractor to come and check it out. You should never attempt to repair your air conditioning yourself. Without the necessary tools and training, you could easily make the issue worse and cost yourself even more in repairs.
How to Choose a Quality Contractor
It is very important when it comes to choosing a contractor to repair or service your HVAC system that you hire someone with the necessary qualifications and experience. Here are a few things to consider as you decide between companies.
-Certification. HVAC contractors should be licensed to work on air conditioning systems and insured. Don’t be afraid to ask about their credentials.
-Experience. How long has the contractor been working in HVAC? What was their training? Do they have experience with your type of air conditioning system?
-Reviews. Check to see what the contractor’s reviews and ratings are. You can use Google or Yelp, or look them up in the Better Business Bureau.
-Transparency. How clear is the contractor about the problem and the possible solutions? Do they give cost estimates?
-Rates. A reputable HVAC contractor should have competitive rates. You should never go with the cheapest option if you want quality work, and you should compare rates to ensure they charge appropriately. Visit RMS to find affordable rates with quality service.
-Availability. Lastly, you will need to know if the contractor has the availability to inspect your HVAC system right away, or if there will be a wait.
What an HVAC Contractor Does
Whether you suspect an issue with your system or just want to have it maintained, HVAC contractors can handle the job. A few basic services provided by most HVAC companies or contractors include—
-Estimates. Contractors can provide estimates, both on what they suspect the issue could be and how much they estimate it could cost to repair or replace.
-Repair. HVAC contractors repair, replace your old ac unit, and install HVAC components. Hiring a contractor to handle your HVAC issues ensures that the job is done correctly, professionally, and safely.
-Routine Maintenance. Another service provided by most HVAC contractors is routine maintenance. This is often overlooked by homeowners but can go a long way in saving you in expensive repairs and high electric bills. An HVAC service includes the inspection of the entire system, checking for any potential issues, testing the vital functions, cleaning various components, and more. HVAC contractors will inspect the belts, the blower, fan, gas pressure, voltage, evaporator coils, and air filters. They will lubricate any moving parts, test the furnace venting system, and check for damage or corrosion of any kind.
How a Contractor Determines Their Fees
Several things must be taken into consideration when it comes to figuring out how much you can expect to pay for an HVAC contractor’s services.
-Contractor’s Hourly Rate. A contractor’s rate could be anywhere from $75-$100/hour. The value of the service will be reflected in this, as well as covering the technician’s travel costs.
-Parts. Estimating this all depends on the work that you have done on your HVAC system. An average for most general repairs is anywhere from $150-$450. But for larger issues and replacements, it could be well over $1k.
-Timing. If you require a contractor or technician to come out at an unusual time of day, or a holiday, they may charge more for their services.
In Closing
There is a lot to consider when it comes to hiring a professional HVAC contractor but researching to ensure that you get quality work done could save you a lot in the end. Williams Comfort Air is one such reputable company available in the Indianapolis area. They cover an extensive amount of home repair and upkeep services and would be well worth looking into if you live in the area.
The temperature and humidity of your home are pretty important factors and are often taken for granted. HVAC services can ensure that you can always depend on comfort in your home at all times and in all seasons.