When Seeking Furnace Repair Or Replacement, Buyer Beware!

Because almost anyone is now getting into the business of providing furnace repair or installing a new one, many unsuspecting consumers are being burned.

If you're thinking about having your furnace repaired or replaced, there are a few things you need to be aware of. If you're only considering cost, there is a chance that you may find yourself getting short-changed. And even worse, you may be facing safety issues. Here are a few examples of "buyer beware":

-Although many cities issue HVAC licenses based on a test, this business requires the expertise of several people. This means that a test covering all areas is very difficult to pass.

-It's not uncommon for at least 20% of the service calls that HVAC companies are called to do involve fixing another company's work. You shouldn't assume that companies have technicians who are well-trained.

-Many HVAC installers do not service their product, thereby leaving their customers literally in the cold. For companies that do service their work, it's not a given that they provide that service "after hours".

-Don't assume that there is a high level of competence going on with every HVAC company. It pays for you to do a little research, and even contact the BBB first. Many companies come and go rather quickly. Find one that's been around for several years, and you've found one that's likely doing a lot of things well.

-You would think that all companies pull permits, but it's not always the case. You would think that all companies do work that meets code and is safe. Unfortunately, quality is not necessarily the number one goal of many companies.

-It's not unusual in this business for companies to use subcontractors rather than their own employees. This unfortunately allows for many negative possibilities. As the consumer, can you feel safe and secure with them being left alone in your house?

-Not all companies are properly insured with liability, workman's compensation, etc. Not all companies are authorized by the factory for the equipment they sell. Not all companies have EPA certification and use procedures that are environmentally sound and friendly.

Unfortunately, this is a lot of information for a consumer to digest and check out before hiring a company for furnace repair or furnace replacement. When I need to consult someone about heating and air conditioning, I call Tim Swan of Swan Heating and Air Conditioning in Northern Colorado.

Swan says that in looking for a quality HVAC Company you should find one that has guidelines similar to his: "Letting people into your home, even to do necessary maintenance and repairs, requires some trust. That is why when we hire, we run a criminal background check and drug screen. Our technicians are certified by N.A.T.E. (North American Technicians Excellence) and the E.P.A. to work with environmentally harmful chemicals."

If you're fortunate to locate a company with the same philosophy as Swan's, you should feel pretty confident about the furnace service or replacement to be performed. The last thing you need at a time like that is to be left out in the cold.

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