Q: What advice may BBB provide on HVAC systems and service providers?
A: As the weather warms, that is a great question. You may be thinking about buying or servicing your existing heating and air conditioning system. The total cost of any appliance, including heating and cooling systems, has three components – the purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate it. With heating and cooling among the largest energy expenses in the typical home, it is crucial that you purchase and maintain your system for efficiency.
Many of the things you should consider when hiring an HVAC contractor are consistent with what to consider when hiring any contractor, www.bbb.org. There are also considerations specific to heating and cooling.
Purchase and installation
Before you buy, conduct an energy audit. This will help you detect energy waste, gauge the efficiency of your current heating and cooling systems, and determine if conditioned air is moving properly. Your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy audits or a do-it-yourself kit. You also can hire a specialist to do a more comprehensive energy audit (though this will probably cost you more money).