Reilly Heating And Cooling Service

HVAC contractors usually play an important role when it comes to home comfort and safety. The following are steps to help you make the right decision. 

AC Contractor Requirements

Most states in the country require HVAC contractors to have a certain amount of apprenticeship or on-the-job training, usually 2-5 years, before they can get a license to work on HVAC systems. 

On-the-job experience is crucial because an HVAC contractor needs to have a good understanding of how all the systems in an HVAC unit works, including the condenser, electrical wiring, refrigerant, airflow through ducts, combustion systems and every other part of the heating and cooling systems. 

In addition to comfort, safety is also critical – knowing how the exhaust and ventilation systems work with the furnace can make the difference between preventing injury and death from incidences like carbon monoxide poisoning. This may occur as a result of improper installation or malfunctioning of the system. 

HVAC Contractor Drilling a Unit

Which Certifications Do HVAC Technicians Need?

Does Certification Matter? Understanding licensing and certification can help you make HVAC hiring decisions that are informed. 

Is Your HVAC Contractor Licensed?

Do you require assistance in finding a licensed contractor? Use the Contractor License Check Tool on Angies’s List

Checking Contractor Licenses

Almost every state in the country requires HVAC contractors to obtain a license, and some of these states also have a license lookup website to help residents check whether or not their contractor has a valid license. In some cities and municipalities, HVAC contractors may also be required to obtain a license before offering services in their jurisdiction. 

Angie’s List has an updated online database of licensed contractors, which also links to the websites of local governments and states. 

Since HVAC jobs may require fixing and installing plumbing to supply natural gas or oil to heating equipment, contractors may be required to also have a separate plumber’s license or to have qualified and licensed plumbers on call. In some jurisdictions, HVAC contractors are usually licensed to only handle this type of work. When requesting an estimate, you have to ask a contractor not just if they have a license, but also the type of license they hold. 

Important Questions to Ask

If your AC malfunctions during a hot sunny day or your furnace break down when temperatures are below zero, you will not hesitate to hire the first repairman you find. However, if you are planning a costly or major upgrade to the air conditioning, heating or air ducts of your home, it’s important you take your time to search for the best HVAC contractor for the job. Ig

Do not forget to ask the following questions when interviewing potential service providers.

Insurance, Bond and License: It is a legal requirement, in most local authorities and states, for heating and cooling contractors to show that they have met the minimum licensing requirements before getting a license. The requirements are usually; on-the-job training, formal training, education, and passing a written exam. 

HVAC companies must consistently hold a suitable insurance policy and bond that meet the minimum requirements in order to qualify for a license and continue to hold that license. Liability insurance is crucial as it protects all the parties from liabilities arising from work-related injuries and accidental damages, among other things. 

References: A professional HVAC company must provide potential clients with a list of customers they have recently served and provide their contact details for verification. By getting in touch with these references, clients can find out whether or not the contractor has been able to offer services that meet the customer’s satisfaction. Before making a decision, be sure to call those references to obtain the relevant details. 

Estimates: Since the cost of furnace and air conditioner installation, repair or replacement is high, it is crucial you obtain at least three estimates from the top-rated service providers. 

Comparing estimates is crucial because different firms usually charge different rates for their services, so you have to do some research before committing yourself. When analyzing estimates, you have to confirm that the project details, overall scope of works and completion dates are well-documented. 

Brands Carried: When looking for cost estimates for new equipment or replacements, you have to ask prospective contractors about the equipment brands or manufacturers they carry. While other home improvement contractors usually work with a wide range of equipment brands, HVAC contractors only handle a narrow selection of equipment brands. If you are doing your own comparison of prices, it is crucial you look at the equipment brands different firms handle to further narrow down your search. If you live in Riverside, air conditioning is a priority, so make sure your confident in who you hire.

Cumbersome HVAC Systems

If planning to replace the HVAC system in your home, you have to inquire about systems that need less floor space. The ideal unit must also accommodate remodels in the future. (Picture courtesy of Holly D., Angie’s List member from Memphis, TN). 

Experience With Your HVAC System: If you have a unique type of heating or cooling system, like geothermal heaters, it is crucial you look for a company with a lot of experience installing, repairing or maintaining the type of system you have. 

Tax Credits or Rebates: The type of home cooling or heating equipment you want to install or upgrade may actually come with tax credits and rebates. Therefore, you have to ask about the available incentives for the project. To get the incentives, you will have to document the project properly according to local, state and federal regulations. 

Payment Schedule: Installing a new air conditioner or furnace can be costly. Therefore, you may need a payment plan. The ideal contractor, therefore, should have flexible payment plans. The deposit required should also be affordable. Aside from the in-house financing offered by some HVAC contractors, you may also qualify for bank financing. 

Service Contracts: After installation, you will obviously need regular maintenance of your equipment. Ideally, you should ask for a service contract from the installer. However, you must do some research to ensure the contract terms and conditions are favorable.

Generally, we take the many comforts of our home for granted and fail to pay much attention to maintaining our home appliances. The air conditioning unit is one such system that requires regular maintenance for it to run it smoothly and reduce the risk of an emergency breakdown. A routine AC maintenance will allow the AC unit to work at optimal efficiency and ensure that you stay cool all summer.

Also, when your air conditioner is maintained regularly, lesser energy is consumed, helping you save money on your energy bills. A well-running air conditioning unit operates more efficiently and helps prolong the life of your system.

How to maintain your Air Conditioner?

It is important to note that while a few home maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners by themselves, there are some which are best done when left in the hands of professionals. Maintaining your air conditioner is one of them. A professional AC specialist is licensed and has proper training to deal with any AC related problem more efficiently.

However, if you are planning to maintain your AC yourself, follow these simple tips listed below. Also, as a safety precaution, ensure that the power to the unit is shut down completely before you begin working on the outdoor unit.

Tip#1: Change or Replace Air Filter

Changing or replacing your air conditioner filter once every month in summers or winters and once during fall is important to keep your AC maintained and running smoothly.

Changing AC Air filter in Attic

The air filter in the attic is located in a slot on the top, bottom or side of the furnace, in the rear of the ceiling in the central room of the house, behind the return air grill on a ceiling or wall or at the back of the return air grille on a wall or ceiling in the central room of the house. When dust, dirt and allergen particles get collected on the filter, it reduces the airflow. As a result, the system has to work harder, putting a strain on your air conditioner. Also, the accumulation of dust and dirt on the filter can trigger allergy symptoms for those residing in your home.

Tip#2: Inspecting Wiring and Components

Before you start inspecting the wiring and components of your system, ensure that the power supply to the unit is completely shut down from the main breaker panel of your home.

To check the old wiring inside the AC unit, remove the access panel on your condensing unit. Check to see if you see signs of burned or blackened looking wires or overheating melted insulation of wires.

Also, ensure that the electrical connections are tight. If you have an electrical test meter, check the capacitors in the unit.

Replace the contractor switch if you notice excessive pitting.

If you notice any of the problems mentioned above and are unable to handle them, it is highly recommended that you seek the help of a local heating and air conditioning expert immediately.

Tip#3: Check the Thermostat

A thermostat that is working properly helps maintain the right temperature in your home. If you have a mechanical type thermostat installed, consider upgrading it to a programmable model.

Adjusting a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is designed to automatically regulate the temperature of your home for various times of the day based on a series of pre-programmed settings.

With programmable thermostats, homeowners do not have to run their AC all day when no one is at home. This helps them save energy, reducing the cost of their energy bills. Also, the programmed settings allow you to adjust the level of temperature for when you are awake, asleep or are returning home, helping you stay comfortable at all times of the day.

Tip#4: Inspect Condenser Unit Fan

The condenser unit fan is located on the top of the outside condenser unit. To ensure it is good condition, check fan blades to see if there are crack or chips visible one or more blades.

If your air conditioning unit is old, ensure that the fan motor bearings are oiled regularly.

Tip #5: Clean the Unit From Outside

Over time, there may be a buildup of dirt, leaves, and grass on the outside of your AC unit. This can often reduce system capacity and decrease airflow.

Using a garden hose about 45 ° angles, gently wash off the debris starting from the top. Avoid using a power washer and ensure that you shut down the power to the unit before you begin with the cleaning.

Prune shrubs around outdoor unit

Keeping shrubs trimmed around the outdoor unit helps maintain proper airflow around and through the unit and allows the system to perform properly.

Seeking Professional Help

When your air conditioner is properly maintained, it helps you save money, energy and also helps you stay comfortable during those hot days in summer.

It always best to seek the services of an HVAC professional to deal with the AC issues and keep it working efficiently. Apart from checking your AC, they can also add maintenance tasks annually that will keep your AC unit running smoothly for years to come.

Consider a Warranty

A homeowner’s warranty can help cover the cost and repairs of an air conditioning unity. This can be highly beneficial in reducing your out – of – pocket expenses and minimizing your frustration during a heating or cooling crisis.