Why Furnace Repair Is Not a DIY Job

December 11th, 2012 Posted in Furnaces
Comments Off on Why Furnace Repair Is Not a DIY Job

Owning a home is a great investment and house payments can often be lower than monthly rent payments. However, a homeowner is responsible for the repair and maintenance costs associated with their home. There is no landlord or property manager to call when the furnace stops working. 

There are many home maintenance and repair jobs that homeowners can do themselves, but furnace repair is one that should always be left to the professionals. Your furnace, when operating properly, heats your home and keeps it a comfortable environment to live in. However, when it isn’t operating properly or parts are installed improperly, your furnace can become a dangerous liability. Home furnaces have been the source of many unfortunate accidents when they are improperly maintained. These accidents can range from carbon monoxide poisoning to explosions and home fires. 

When you own a home, either your own or rental property, place regular furnace maintenance into your annual budget. Having your furnace thoroughly inspected each year before the heating season by a heating professional can often prevent furnace malfunctions during the colder months of the year. If the furnace does quit working or doesn’t seem to be able to keep the home heated properly, don’t hesitate; call a furnace repair service. They will not only fix the problem properly, they’ll be sure to check the entire system for problems. They’ll do it safely and efficiently. Don’t put your furnace in the hands of amateurs; its not worth the risk.

, ,
Read More

Internet Reviews of HVAC Contractors

October 3rd, 2012 Posted in Choosing an HVAC Contractor
Comments Off on Internet Reviews of HVAC Contractors

Finding a good HVAC contractor for furnace repairs, installation of a new air conditioner, or any other heating and air conditioning need can be a challenge.  Unless you can get a referral from a family member, co-worker or friend, it’s hard to tell a good HVAC contractor from a bad one.  Randomly choosing one from the phone book or the internet is a hit-or-miss proposition.

Many people depend on reviews of HVAC contractors that they find on the internet to help them choose a good contractor.  These reviews can be helpful, but be cautious when using them and read the reviews with a critical eye.  Think about whether this person may have some agenda in mind other than posting an unbiased review.

Remember, anyone can post reviews in most online sites.  That means that those really enthusiastic reviews could have been posted by happy customers, or they could have been posted by the contractor themselves, their friends, family, neighbors, and so on.  In addition, if there are a series of positive reviews posted at about the same time, you should be suspicious.  It is easy to hire people to post positive reviews.  Several long, positive reviews written within a few days of each other could indicate that these reviews were “bought and paid for.’

At the same time, be careful about negative reviews.  Again, these could have been written by someone out to harm the HVAC contractor’s reputation.  It could be a dishonest competitor, an angry employee, or due to a failed personal relationship.

When reading reviews posted on the internet, look for reviews that sound like they were written by a real customer.  From these reviews, you can generally get a consensus about whether the HVAC contractor treats their customers right.  When you find a contractor with positive reviews, be sure to confirm that they have been in business for at least a few years, have a permanent business address and telephone number, and that they are licensed and insured.  Reading internet reviews with a critical eye can help you find a reliable HVAC contractor.

, ,
Read More

How to Tell if Your Furnace Needs to be Replaced

June 7th, 2012 Posted in Furnaces
Comments Off on How to Tell if Your Furnace Needs to be Replaced

A common question asked regarding a home furnace is when the furnace needs to be replaced. To be honest, there is no straightforward, simple answer. Many individuals believe that when their furnace begins to make noises or stops working altogether means that the furnace needs to be replaced; however, that isn’t always true.  You may just need a furnace repair. Regardless, it is important that you replace your furnace before it leads to an uncomfortable and unhealthy home due to an inefficient heating system.

Here are four signs that you may need to replace your furnace.

  1. Age of Your Furnace – How long have you had your furnace? The average life expectancy of a furnace in residential homes today is anywhere between 15 and 20 years. If you have had your furnace for nearly 15 years, then it is probably time to start saving up and searching for a quality replacement. After all, it is better to plan ahead to improve the mechanical appliances within your home rather than wait until the last minute when your furnace has to be replaced and replace it in a hurry.
  2. Check Your Energy Bills – Have you seen a rise in your energy bills? This could be a sign  of a furnace needing to soon be replaced. As a furnace ages, it becomes less and less efficient causing your energy bills to rise. When this happens, you are better off purchasing a new furnace that is energy efficient.
  3. Thermostat Comfort – If you find yourself constantly adjusting the furnace thermostat, then it could be because your furnace is unable to comfortably and properly distribute air throughout your home.
  4. Burner Flame Color – Have a look at your burner flame on your gas furnace. If it is yellow instead of blue then your furnace could be releasing a carbon monoxide poison in your home, which could result in a multitude of problems including serious health issues.

To learn more about when your furnace needs to be replaced, contact a professional HVAC company today. A HVAC technician can come out, inspect and analyze your heating system to ensure that it is in proper working order to ensure that your home environment is healthy and comfortable.

, ,
Read More

Find Local Company | HVAC Directory | Find Local HVAC Companies