Heed Furnace Repair Recommendations To Find Good Service

Main Menu

Articles

Information

Home

Home and Family

Home

Heed Furnace Repair Recommendations To Find Good Service

Written by Adriana Noton

by AdrianaNoton

When the weather turns cold isn't the time to get a furnace cleaned and serviced. Unfortunately, sometimes homeowners forget this essential maintenance until Old Man Winter blows into town. Whatever the time, a homeowner can get good service by following furnace repair recommendations from consumer groups.

Organizations that watch out for consumers' best interests suggest several methods for selecting a reliable furnace repair service and avoiding scam artists.

For starters, always refuse any telephone solicitation that promises to clean or maintain your home furnace for free. Often these calls are nothing more than a way to get a con man into the home to bilk the homeowner for bogus repairs. In addition, sometimes these air conditioner companies are actually fronts for professional burglars who use them to find out how to re-enter the home and steal valuables.

Refuse to hire anyone who rings your doorbell offering to clean the air ducts with a "shop-vac." It takes a high-volume or steam-clean vacuum system to clean heating ducts properly

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.

The best way to avoid getting scammed in home heating is to keep up with furnace maintenance. Homeowners can clean the air return vents themselves with a vacuum cleaner. Also, changing the filter regularly, at least once a month especially in winter, will help keep the furnace working well.

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.

Furthermore, get the home furnace serviced annually, whether it's gas, oil or electric.

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.

About the Author:

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

Kindly provided by 4Girls.dk You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include this link.

Main Menu

Articles

Information

Latest News

Popular