US Life Post

Wintertime doesn’t make the best time to get your home heating system serviced. When it’s necessary, though, be prepared for top-dollar prices and possibly a longer wait than usual. No matter when your get your home system repair or maintained, following the furnace repair recommendations of consumer advocates will help assure good service.

Consumer protection organizations such as the Better Business Bureau offer several tips for choosing a reputable and qualified furnace repair service.

Refuse phone solicitations that offer “free” or “low cost” furnace repair or maintenance. These scam artists often try to bilk homeowners by telling them their heating system has serious problems when it doesn’t. In addition, sometimes these “free” services are fronts for burglary rings that later come back and strip the home of valuables. Don’t fall for this scam.

Also beware of anyone who’s going door to door, offering to clean furnace ducts using a “shop-vac” type of machine. No ordinary vacuum cleaner has sufficient power to remove all the dust and dirt from heating ducts. Often a steam-cleaning process or a high-volume vacuum machine is required for proper maintenance.

Don’t be fooled into hiring a company because its “inspector” says the home heating system poses a serious health hazard. If someone gives you this kind of report, ask for a written copy of the report and the consult with the local utility service.

Seek out at least three written estimates from independent, qualified service companies if an inspector says the home furnace needs repairs or replacement. Be sure that each inspection report and estimate includes full descriptions of the services required, the materials that will be used, the total price, warranty on parts and labor and the energy efficiency rating of a new unit if one is called for.

Homeowners also can reduce the likelihood of needing emergency repairs by keeping up furnace maintenance themselves. Change the filters each month, and regularly vacuum the dust and dirt from air returns.

Be sure to check the original warranty if faced with major repairs or replacement. In many cases a warranty will be invalid if the furnace hasn’t been properly maintained. Should a new furnace be necessary, get a unit that’s big enough for the household’s needs, but no bigger. It wastes both energy and money to install a unit larger than necessary.

To keep the furnace in good working order, as well as keeping the warranty in force, get the unit cleaned and tested on a yearly basis. Gas heating systems should be cleaned at least every other year, while units that run on fuel oil must be cleaned annually.

If you don’t have an annual service contract with a reputable home maintenance and repair company, ask for recommendations from neighbors, family members or co-workers. Then check out their recommendations with local authorities such as the Better Business Bureau or even the public records of small claims court. One woman who served as a bailiff in local courts once hired a heating repair service because, as she told them later, “you’re the only company who’s never been through our court.”

When interviewing candidates for heating service, always ask detailed questions. A good method is to write down the type of furnace you have and then ask for an estimate on service for that model, including all related charges. A reliable company should give you a response promptly and without hesitation. If the company representative takes a long time to answer your question, it could be an indication of poor performance, questionable practices or both.

Heeding these furnace repair recommendations will keep you warm and happy when it’s cold outside.

Air conditioner Toronto provider that sells, installs and services heating and air conditioning Toronto products.