Brrrr. Another chilly winter in Westchester County with short days and routine snowstorms. The last drama you want to put your family through is a furnace no longer able to keep your house warm. Preventive furnace maintenance offers the best chance of your furnace operating at top efficiency for as long as possible.
Finding a reliable heating contractor to provide furnace maintenance or emergency services is not easy. We will share some tips to simplify this decision for homeowners. If you are in an urgent situation, you might not have the luxury of time to do proper research.
Do not wait for an emergency. We recommend performing due diligence to identify a reliable provider that will serve you well.
All journeys begin at home, so we advise you begin with a self-assessment:
- Find out the age, model number and manufacturer of your equipment
- Gather your service records if any
Next, reach out to friends and neighbors for:
- Referrals or personal recommendations
Consider using other professionals you trust for referrals. You may know a realtor or a home inspector who keeps a brief list of home service providers they refer to their clients. Additionally other professionals, such as electricians or plumbers may have frequent contact with HVAC experts or furnace repair professionals.
If you have a list of one or a few local providers, go a little further afield by venturing into cyberspace:
- Do a search
- Check reviews
- Verify years in business
- Review licenses
- Examine other certifications including NATE
- Determine level of relevant insurance
- Get an estimate in writing
- Ask about warranties
After your furnace has been serviced, keep the “information chain” intact. Post a descriptive review of your experience – whether good or bad.
While a “rating” provides guidance, illuminate your experience with words. What was it like working with your heating contractor? Specifically address the steps along the way – from estimate to scheduling
to execution. What was the level of clarity, communication, and customer service?
Your Path to Reliable Warmth from your Furnace
To review, in addition to any referral(s) you receive, do an online search for local contractors online. The more options you generate, the easier it will be to understand price competitiveness and service levels. Typically, the longer a company has been in business, the more clients and experience they accumulate. Companies that provide poor service usually do not last long.
Your furnace may have connection to electrical, gas or water supplies. As a result, many municipalities require HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) contractors to have professional licensing or certifications. Ask for a license number and validate it.
One certification to inquire about comes from North American Technician Excellence (NATE). This certification is conferred upon technicians that demonstrate mastery of equipment and technology in the field.
Your contractor having insurance protects you from claims arising from an accident on your property during a repair. Check that the policy is relevant and sufficient. A written, itemized estimate sets expectations, provides a basis of comparison, or can be used to resolve any disagreements. Warranties demonstrate that contractors have confidence in their equipment and expertise.
When you are working with a knowledgeable professional in an area where you have little experience, you may have questions. Ask questions to get better clarity. A communicative contractor will not only answer questions but also allay your concerns about related matters you did not contemplate.
You may notice uneven heat delivery or troubling swings in energy costs. Other signs might include unusual noises, odd odors, your equipment turning on and off more frequently, a dirty filter, or even your carbon monoxide sensor sounding off. Obviously, respond to any alarming indicator but also pay attention to more subtle signs. Be proactive about furnace maintenance.
If you need a trustworthy furnace repair service or have further questions, call Thermodynamix at (914) 909-4108 or schedule an appointment to have one of our technicians come to your home.
