Things You Should Know Before Calling an HVAC Contractor

With temperatures regularly breaking all known records, heating and air conditioning problems abound. When your system breaks down under these stressful conditions, you call an HVAC repair company in hopes of fast, professional repairs at a fair price. Is there any way to ensure the quality of service you and your system desperately need?

Protect yourself against incompetent or dishonest contractors
In just the 5 months from May through September of 2014, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) received over 700 complaints against commercial and residential HVAC companies. To ensure you are working with a trustworthy hvac repair technician, BBB offers the following advice:

• Before making a call, consult your owner’s manual.
  Your system – or some of its components – may still be covered under factory warranty.
• Hire a professional.
  This does not include your neighbor, a “friend-of-a-friend,” or yourself, wearing your DIY-hat. You should also avoid those offering rock-bottom prices, those that offer a firm estimate over the phone without looking at your system, or new-kids-on-the-block who are not yet proven and may go out of business before your replacement parts come in. Look for an established heating repair contractor with an upstanding BBB membership, whose technicians hold NATE certification and receive positive word-of-mouth from the community.
• Get references…
  From actual customers, not just their website or random message boards.
• Verify licensing.
  Contact your state licensing board and ask to see a copy of their current license before air conditioning or heating system repair service start.
• Compare prices.
  Shop around, gleaning quotes from at least 3 different companies. Ensure they are comprehensive, with a written description of all services offered and materials used so you can compare apples to apples.

Before you do call, make certain you have…

• Ensured your air filter is clean and properly installed.
• Checked the switch/breaker – including the on/off switch on the outdoor unit, which can occasionally get bumped. Ditto with gas: Is it on?
• Verified the thermostat batteries don’t need to be replaced.
• Triple-checked the setting on the thermostat, including the clock on programmable models.

Still not working? Have the following information on-hand:

• A thorough description of what your system is - or is not - doing.
• How long the probably has been going on.
• The age of the system, heater or AC brand, and system type (gas or electric; heat pump, AC, furnace, etc.).
• The last time your system underwent routine maintenance or repairs.
• Any strange noises your system makes during startup, shutdown, or operation, such as screeches, pops, thuds, clanging, or hissing, including if the system is overly loud when it runs.
• Any off-smells when the blower comes on.
• If you have rooms in your home that are frequently too hot or too cold.
• If the lights dim when the system turns on.

Don’t get burned by bad service. Get friendly, BBB certified, professional ac installation, replacement, repair, service and maintenance contractors. Protect your wallet and your system. Contact us today.

Choosing the Right Heating and Air Conditioning Company

Did you know that choosing the right heating and air conditioning services provider is integral to the health of your HVAC system? The knowledge, care and skill of your technician will reflect in your system, in everything from equipment installation to system service and routine maintenance.

Don’t let choosing the wrong heating and air conditioning company come back to haunt you…

• Installation
  Properly sizing your system is essential to home comfort and efficiency. Heating/cooling load calculations must be based on your home’s size, insulation levels, and windows for reliable, efficient operation. Indoor and outdoor system components must also be properly matched. In addition, ductwork must be properly installed and located to prevent leaks and the loss of conditioned air.   
• Repair
  Quality, OEM parts, trustworthy quotes and warranties, reliable repairs are integral to protecting your system’s operation – and your wallet. Opt for value over bottom line price to prevent paying for cheap, unreliable equipment – and multiple service visits to correct the same issue.
• Routine maintenance
  Overlooked routine maintenance items could take their toll on your system:
• Improperly operating thermostats…
  Can leave you uncomfortable and have your system working overtime, costing you in high energy bills.
• Inadequate refrigerant…
  Too much or too little in  your cooling units can reduce efficiency – and system life.
• Poor component maintenance.
  Overlooked routine maintenance tasks can lead to unexpected repairs down the road. A good air conditioning services technician should:
• Check your system controls for proper operation.
• Check for faulty electrical connections.
• Lubricate all moving parts.
• Inspect the condensate drain for plugs that can cause humidity and water damage.
• Clean evaporator and condensing coils.
• Clean/adjust blower components to ensure proper airflow.

What should you look for in an HVAC repairs and installation professional?

• A great rep.
  Including a courteous and prompt demeanor, and local referrals from friends, relatives, or your local professional organization. A great technician should also provide you with a written, itemized repair and installation estimate following an on-site, in-person home evaluation, inclusive of all costs and warranties, and stating the efficiency and annual operating costs on new system estimates.
• An inquisitive mind.
  Superior contractors will ask you about problem’s you’ve experienced with your system – and offer solutions.
• Proper licensing and insurance…
  As required by your state, and an office where you can visit them should the need arise, indicating their longevity and intention to remain in business.
• Certification.
  Leading contractors should have one or more of the following professional affiliations:
• North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
• Air Conditioning Contractors of America ((ACCA)
• Energy Star qualified products.
  Energy Star heating and air products meet or exceed the strict efficiency guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, offering significant long-term energy savings.

Ensure installation and service that’s second to none. Trust in the friendly heating and air conditioning experts at H & H Heating and Air Conditioning. Contact us today.

Things to Check Before Calling for Air Conditioning Services in Delaware County, PA

Air conditioner on the fritz? Hold up - don't call your air conditioning contractor yet! If your air conditioner isn’t operating properly, it may only be a minor issue. Try these simple solutions before scheduling your air conditioning system repair:

1. Is it on?
   Does your system have power to it? Make sure the main power switch in the “On” position for proper operation. Sounds silly – because it worked yesterday – but kids, animals, weather, and accidents happen. Avoid the frustration of a repair bill over a flipped switch. Check these items first.
2. Did you blow a fuse?
   We don’t mean your aggravation at the current state of your system! Air conditioning units pull quite a bit of power. Check your circuit breaker panel and ensure the necessary breakers are in place, turned on, and functioning properly. Watch out for tricky breakers – those that have only tripped halfway, which may appear at a quick glance to be alright. They will need to be fully turned off and returned to the on position.
3. What is your thermostat set on?
   Sometimes family members – particularly younger ones – can unknowingly sabotage your system. Check to see first that your system is in cooling mode. Then check to see that it is set at the correct temperature to cause the system to come on.
4. Do you need to close the door?
   Not your front door, the blower door on your air handler. It must be securely closed for proper operation.
5. Experiencing a clog?
   Check the drain line next to your outdoor unit. Lines that are buried or clogged with algae (which you may not be able to see) can cause your home to get sticky due to the improper operation of the system. A condensate overflow tray that needs to be emptied can also cause problems.
6. How cruddy is your filter?
   An extremely dirty air filter can block air supply to your system and prevent proper function. If your filter is gross, try swapping it out (if it is disposable) or cleaning it (if it is a permanent filter) before calling the repair man.
7. Is you system not shutting off?
   You may need to adjust the temperature. If you raise the thermostat 5-10 degrees and your your system can only manage temperatures about 20 degrees cooler than the outdoor air. If its 100 outside, be thankful for 78-80 degrees.
8. Do you have an owner’s manual?
   If you’ve tried the above solutions, or if you have a specialty system like a geo thermal heating and cooling system, consult your owner’s manual. It may offer additional troubleshooting suggestions specific to your system.

Air conditioner issues still leaving you hot under the collar?
Everyone needs a little help every now and then. Luckily the friendly professionals at H & H Heating and Air Conditioning have your back. Give us a call and get back to home comfort today!