Tips on Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor

There are several HVAC contractors in Katy & Sugar Land, TX, Rosenberg and Houston, but finding the best one out requires research and diligence. Finding a reliable and experienced HVAC contractor in Houston is not a problem if you are aware of certain aspects that are essential in a contractor. Here are some of the tips that you can follow to find a professional HVAC contractor in Houston and other nearby areas:

Take recommendations: Talking to friends and neighbors can help you find a reliable contractor. A contractor who has provided good service in the neighborhood is likely to provide better services in the same area. So, taking recommendations is a very good idea.

Research Online: Most contractors have online presence. So, you can check out the online reviews given by prior customers. These reviews can help you get an idea of how the contractor fares in providing HVAC installation and repair services.

Established Company: You would not like to get your HVAC system installed from a contractor who has been around for a very short time in the neighborhood. Since you are not aware of the credibility of the contractor, you cannot rely on him. The contractor should be an established one so that he is around even after installation in case repairs or maintenance is required.

Compare price and value: HVAC systems are complex and therefore, they need to be handled by the experts. However, this does not mean that you hire contractors who charge exorbitantly. On the contrary, you cannot afford to handover the complex work of installation or repair of HVAC to a naïve person just because he is charging less. So, the best way out is to compare the price and the value of services promised.

Experience and Expertise: You can also check out the experience and expertise of the contractors by looking around at their websites, in the neighborhood and through other contacts. An experienced and expert professional would be able to work through the complex electric and plumbing work required for the installation of the HVAC system. Similarly, repairing such systems is only possible if one is highly qualified, trained and experienced.

Why is Regular Maintenance of HVAC Important?

It is very easy to install and forget about your HVAC system because it is generally installed at a place where you do not see it regularly. However, in the absence of regular maintenance and oiling, it would function only for a limited number of years. Irrespective of the cost of the system, every HVAC system is prone to breakdown and needs repair. You can opt for the annual maintenance of the system and live peacefully.

Benefits of regular HVAC maintenance

Here are some of the benefits of taking up annual or regular HVAC maintenance:

Lower Utility Bills: When your HVAC system is not working in top condition, it would affect your utility bills. With regular maintenance, the system would work efficiently making your home comfortable. This would result in lower utility bills.

Longer Equipment Life: HVAC systems that are maintained regularly provide services for a long time. Because the equipments are being checked and repaired for any problems, they tend to serve for a longer time. If there is one part that malfunctions, it has a cascading effect on the rest of the system. Therefore, with regular maintenance, all parts function in tandem.

Few Repairs: when HVAC systems are maintained and tuned up regularly, they show up fewer repairs every time the mechanics come in for the regular checkup. Moreover, with regular checkups and fewer repairs, the annual maintenance pays out.

Safer Equipments: HVAC systems that are not maintained regularly also run the risk of putting your family in danger. Unsafe equipments can result in poisoning of the air that you breathe, cracking of the heat exchanger, escaping of the carbon monoxide gas and developing a short circuit. Therefore, the annual maintenance takes care of all these problems, as technicians check for any leaks and damages.

Maintenance Tasks that should be done by the Pros

Many homeowners think that taking up annual maintenance contracts are a sheer waste of money. They presume that they can take care of the maintenance tasks by themselves. However, the truth is that certain tasks should be left for the professionals as they are more trained, skilled, experienced and knowledgeable in this regard. Moreover, with the required tools and expertise they can handle the job well. Here are some tasks that should be taken care of by the professionals:

·         Check the thermostat

·         Lubricate the moving parts

·         Check and tighten all the electrical connections

·         Check the system controls

·         Inspect the drainage pipe and drain to ensure that there is no collection of algae or sludge which can cause the pipe to choke.

·         Check the fuel lines

·         Check the refrigerant charge

·         Clean and adjust the blower

·         Check and clean the condenser and evaporator coils

·         Inspect the gas pressure, heat exchanger and burner combustion

Therefore, you can see and understand that regular maintenance is very essential to prolong the life and working of the HVAC system. You can take the help of the experts who can handle the task efficiently. Choose a company that has experienced professionals for the repair and maintenance of your HVAC systems.