How Do I Choose The Right Heating Company For Me?

As fall is sweeping by, we will be in the full swing of winter before we know it.  While we all hope to avoid running into any issues with the heating system in our home, problems do happen, and it’s very important that you choose the right HVAC professionals when your system fails you.

There is certainly no shortage of companies to work with as a simple Google search for “Heating repair Birmingham, AL” produces 651,000 results – but how are you supposed to choose the right company for you?  Here are some tips that can help you and your family ensures that if a problem does show up, it will be fixed by the right folks the first time:

1.) Ask for references:  I can’t tell you how many times I have had someone come to work on my home, I ask them for references, and they stammer over their words until they admit they don’t have any on hand.  For me, this is a red flag.  Any reputable company should have a reference or two that they can provide to help instill some confidence in their services.  Asking for references when it comes to any company working on your home should be a must.

2.) Ask your friends:  Getting a referral from a friend who has used a heating repair company is a great way to ensure you are getting a provider who has provided quality service to at least one of your friends.  HVAC companies know referrals are a major source of business for them, and they are more inclined to provide excellent service when they know you came from a previous client.  Why, you might ask?  Because they want you to become a future referral for them as well!

3.) Make sure they are licensed and bonded:  Many folks skip this step, but it can often be the most important.  While there are many reputable businesses out there, there are also companies who try to cut corners and save money by not applying for licenses or insurance.  This is not only illegal in most places, but it can also cost you thousands if they end up damaging your home or heating system.  Always make sure you ask for their state license information, and ask the technician who comes if he is certified.  Then check the information they give you with the state.  It may take a little time, but taking 10 minutes before the job is done, can save you thousands in the event that they are not licensed or bonded.

Few $ Saving Tips For The Winter Season

During the winter in Lorton, VA, it can get really cold during the holidays. Everyone is all about saving some bills these days so if you are one of these people who want to save on your heating costs this winter and not have a massive energy bill, you should pay attention to the following tips:

- Keep the oven doors closed when cooking something (use the oven light instead)

- Cook several items at the same time (prevents the turning on and off of appliances)

- Turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used

- Buy miniature lights to hang outside instead of the larger bulbs

These are only a couple of examples but if you want to learn more, be sure to contact your local Lorton VA heating experts today!

Interference With Your Air Conditioning Unit?

Plenty of people who run central air conditioning systems in warm places like Temple Terrace in the Tampa Bay area, complain about how their air conditioning doesn’t do a good job keeping their home comfortable, and, in most cases, they are probably right.  The top 4 things that interfere with central air conditioning systems are: leaky ducts, too much or too little refrigerant charge, installing the wrong filter, and not having enough return ducts to properly circulate the air.  Make sure to speak with a professional Clearwater FL air conditioning contractor about how you can better cool your house.

Avoid Becoming A Fire Statistic This Fall Season: Part 2

So we are following up from our post yesterday. Now that we presented some tips for avoiding the potential disaster of burning down your home... we're going to look at typically when these fires occur and how.
- 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm has the biggest peak in the time of day for these residential fires to take place. Usually when people get home from work and crank up the heat
- January was the biggest month for these fires to take place because that is typically when it is coldest all across the U.S.
- 87% of these fires start from confined fires whether they take place in chimneys, flues, or fuel burners
Some more useful tips to try and avoid becoming a statistic in the wrong column when that weather starts turning cold. Call your local Lincoln NE heating expert today!

Avoid Becoming A Fire Statistic This Fall Season

Soon enough those heating units will be cranked back up to keep you comfortable this winter. 15% of all building fires are caused by heating fires. These include fires started by central heating units, portable heating units (space heaters), fireplaces, or water heaters. Here are some tips to avoid being included in the 15%:

- Make sure to have your heating equipment inspected and cleaned annually by a certified Summit NJ heating inspector

- If you will be using your fireplace, be sure to get your chimney cleaned annually as well

- Heating systems need space! Anything that is flammable needs at least 3 feet of space from the heating system

- Keep fresh batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm

Stay tuned for part 2... 

Almost Time To Check Out The Old Heater

Up in the Boston region, winter is rapidly approaching. The Pats are already 2-0 to start the season (barely - squeaking out 2 close ones) and the Sox are about to start the playoffs. Soon people will be bundled up from head to toe trying to stay warm during the blistering cold. As we all know, no system plays a bigger role in your home than your heating system, strictly for comfort reasons. You need to make sure you contact your Worcester MA air conditioning contractor if you have any questions regarding your heater. If you have an older heater they will be able to help show you newer cost effective high efficient heating solutions including furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps. Don't have that first freezing night come and you haven't prepared for it by not checking the status of your heater!

Air Conditioning - Tips On Saving Some Bills

The most important thing about saving some money this summer and fall regarding your air conditioning unit is keeping your unit running at its top performance. Here are some tips you can do on your own to keep the unit working as efficiently as possible while saving you money.
- Air filters are key. They have to be clean - if not more energy will be used because there isn't a clear flow through the filter. Check them every 60-90 days to replace.
- The button on your thermostat should be set to On and not Auto. This will keep the fan running nonstop instead of shutting on and off again which will end up causing more energy to be used.
- On the outside unit make sure to wash the condenser coil once a year. A dirty condenser coil will run hot.
If you have any questions about this please call your local Port Orange FL air conditioning experts to learn more.