HVAC Installation & Repair for Homeowners
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) units are one the largest investment you will make in a home. Because of this, it’s critical to understand what type of cooling and heating your home requires to meet the needs of the property. In addition, understanding the proper maintenance, and what is involved in a new installation. When considering installing or repairing a central cooling or central heating unit, it’s important you hire an HVAC company or technician who understands and has experience with various units and options available.
When an HVAC company repairs or installs a new unit, safety practices and the quality of their work should be a priority. Signs of a great air conditioning & heating installers are:
- Safety
- Cost-effective
- Consistent and recent positive reviews (Yelp, Google, HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List, Facebook)
- Quality work
- Non-obtrusive
- Leaving a home in better condition than when they entered
Air Conditioning Installation & repair
Repair or Replace your heating or cooling system?
When your heating and/or air conditioning unit starts acting up, you may be wondering if the unit can be repaired or is it is best to replace it? Consider the following when you are getting quotes from an HVAC company.
- How old is the unit? – No matter how well built the machine is, time takes a toll on any equipment. The general rule of thumb is what HVAC techs call ‘the 5,000 rule.’ You take the age of your unit and multiply that by the cost of the repair. If the total is more than 5,000, you are probably better off replacing it.
- Consider your energy bills – Newer units are much more energy-efficient, making use of things like variable power. If you live in an area where you run your unit regularly, consider how much energy can be saved with a newer unit. No matter how hard the sell is, savings usually only start making sense after a couple of years. Although you should see initial monthly savings in your utility bills depending on the age of the previous system, keep in mind how long you anticipate staying in the home.
- How do you feel when it runs? – It’s not all about efficiency. Some old units are loud, inconsistent, and hard to get to a comfortable temperature. If this is the case, you may want to upgrade even though the system is currently in working order. Depending on where you live, some people consider air conditioning a luxury and others a necessity. Having a properly running furnace is crucial in most areas. If you’d like to improve the cooling and heating in your house, upgrading your cooling and/or cooling is the way to go.
The good news is if you do decide to repair your unit, in most cases repair costs typically are under $1000. Make sure you work with a licensed and reputable technician. Most companies offer a free quote. Taking advantage of having a professional in your home and will allow you to make an informed decision.