Your furnace is designed to provide your home with exceptional comfort and last for many years, but problems are inevitable, especially as the furnace ages. Normal wear and tear is typically to blame, but defects in the equipment can compromise performance and lead to unexpected breakdowns.
Many homeowners in Boise, ID also neglect to schedule routine furnace maintenance. This can lead to an increased need for repairs and a shortened equipment lifespan. Let’s look at how you properly choose an HVAC contractor for necessary furnace repairs.
Compile Your Important Information
Before you reach out to an HVAC professional, make sure you have certain information available for the person you speak to. This includes the type of furnace you have, how old it is, and the specific issue you have noted. It helps if you can provide the furnace’s serial number or model number. This allows us to gather certain parts and information before we even come to your residence, which can speed the process of diagnosing and repairing the problem.
Also, take note of any other potential issues. Have you noticed a spike in your energy bills? Is your furnace cycling on and off more frequently? Are there new hot or cold spots in your home that are compromising your comfort and indoor air quality? This information helps us prepare for your appointment.
Looking for Recommendations
You can ask your family and friends for recommendations for HVAC contractors that they have worked with in the past. This is not only a great way to find out who are the most experienced and reputable professionals in an area, but it’s also a method of figuring out who you should avoid. Ask about the experience your family or friend had, whether the repairs were done accurately, if the process was fast, and if the final cost was affordable.
Asking for Client References
Once you contact an HVAC company, ask for a few references. These are clients who can provide you with feedback regarding their experiences with that company. It helps if you’re speaking with people who have dealt with the same furnace issues as you. You can ask whether the contractor was on time, if they were happy with the services rendered, and were there any hidden charges that came up once the work was performed.
Obtaining a Written Quote and Estimate
Make sure that a potential contractor provides you with a written evaluation, an estimate, and a quote for the work that needs to be done. You can use this information to compare to other company’s answers and see what your best option is. Don’t automatically go with the lowest price. Some contractors will offer a low amount to generate business. They may not have the experience needed to perform your furnace repairs.
Ask About Insurance Coverage
A reputable contractor should carry insurance coverage if something goes wrong at your home. This coverage can be used if someone from their team is injured. It can also cover any damage to your home while the work is being done.
Licensed and Certified Contractors
A licensed and certified HVAC contractor typically brings extensive knowledge and training to the table. Their experience ensures that the work is done accurately and promptly, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and safe home environment again. You can ask for proof of their licensing and certifications, checking with the providers for accuracy.
Asking About Other Services
Ideally, you will hire an HVAC contractor that you can work with in the future. This includes routine maintenance, emergency repairs, new equipment installation, air quality issues, and similar jobs. Ask potential contractors about other services they offer. You should avoid a company that only performs basic services and leaves you searching for another contractor for all your other needs.
Maintenance Plans and Agreements
If an HVAC company offers maintenance plans and agreements, this can save you time and money. Not only does this provide you with the annual maintenance and inspections that your HVAC system needs to stay functional and energy efficient, but you often get priority service for necessary repairs. You might also have access to discounts and incentives for other services as well.
Looking at Customer Satisfaction
You can check an HVAC company’s reputation in the Boise area in several ways to ensure they have a positive reputation. First, check the company’s website and social media pages for reviews and ratings. A few bad reviews or ratings don’t necessarily mean the company is questionable, but neither do all positive ratings mean the company is great. Read the reviews, and consider what they say and why they say it. Check other websites, too.
Several websites allow people to post reviews about businesses with which they’ve interacted and can give you an unbiased look at various aspects of the business. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is another option. The BBB offers accreditations and ratings for companies that bring experience, customer satisfaction, and transparency. You can inquire with the BBB to see what an HVAC company’s rating is or check the contractor’s website to see if they advertise their rating.
Years of Service
The more years that a company has been serving a specific area, the more experience they will typically have. While we see a lot of the same furnace issues frequently, we come across more unique situations as well. This provides us with the opportunity to learn and grow our business. We have been serving the Boise area since 1984, ensuring that we have the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals on our team to diagnose and repair a variety of furnace issues, as well as other HVAC problems. We want to make sure that you feel comfortable calling us when something is amiss with your furnace. Avoiding DIY repairs can save you a lot of time and money.
Available Rebates and Incentives
Some HVAC companies will provide different incentives and rebates to customers that qualify. Inquire whether a provider participates in these incentives. It’s beneficial to work with a contractor that knows a lot about what’s available. This can save you quite a bit of money, especially if you need to upgrade your furnace, thermostat, etc.
If a repair turns out to be major, we may recommend that you have a new furnace installed. This is often the case with very old models or units that have a cracked heat exchanger. This damage can lead to a deadly carbon monoxide leak, which is something we always want to avoid. We can help you find an efficient and affordable ENERGY STAR furnace that will benefit your home’s comfort and your budget as well. If you’re calling us for frequent repairs, there will come a point when a new furnace is a much more efficient option than constantly keeping up with emergency service.
If you would like to learn more about the importance of professional furnace repairs, reach out to our team here at Perfect, Plumbing Heating & Air. In addition to repairs, we also install and maintain different types of heating and cooling equipment. We also service plumbing, drains, and more. Our indoor air quality services include IAQ assessments and the installation of whole-house purification equipment.
Contact Perfect, Plumbing Heating & Air to schedule an appointment in Boise today.
