Evaluating HVAC Services

Your finance agreement will determine how much you pay for your furnace, and the service you choose will affect the fairness of the finance agreement. Before you sign an Atlanta furnace finance contract, answer the following questions about each service that you evaluate:

Is the service licensed to perform HVAC work?

Before you inquire about financing, be sure that the service is qualified to perform HVAC work. In Georgia, HVAC companies must receive a Class I Air Contractors License from the State Construction Industry Licensing Board to perform residential HVAC work.

Does the service have a physical business address?

You probably have heard horror stories about HVAC companies that take homeowners’ money, and then do not complete the job. Because they often move from town to town, companies that operate in this manner typically lack a physical business address.
Does the service have references from customers who have financed a furnace?

Be sure to ask the service for references to customers who have recently financed a furnace. In addition to asking them if their equipment is performing as expected, you should ask the references if they are satisfied with the finance agreement.

Does the service use a reputable financial institution?

Just as you would not finance your home through a questionable financial institution, neither should you finance your furnace through one. If a company uses an institution that you are not familiar with, investigate its reputation before you sign the contract.

Before You Sign the Contract

Once you receive a financing offer from a reputable HVAC company, review the offer carefully before you sign it. Read its fine print to make sure that the interest rate will not rise in the middle of the contract. If the contract period opens with no interest, be sure that you now what the interest rate will be when it kicks in. You should also find out if the contract includes an early payoff fee. If you need help reviewing the contract, speak with a financial manager.

Bardi has the Financing You Need

The average furnace lasts twenty to twenty-five years—a period of time in which it needs maintenance and occasional repairs. Once its lifespan is complete, a major expense arises: implementing a new furnace. At Bardi Heating and Air Conditioning, we help homeowners mitigate the cost of HVAC replacement by offering attractive financing. If you need a new furnace this winter, do not get stuck in front of a space heater. Call the Atlanta furnace finance specialists at Bardi today.

Make Sure the Contractor is Licensed, Bonded and Insured

Contractors who are not licensed by the State Construction Industry Licensing are not allowed to perform HVAC work in Georgia. Contractors who lack bonding and insurance are not prepared to compensate you for property damage, personal injury, financial loss, or loss or property. Before you sign a contract, ask to see proof of a contractor’s licensure, bonding, and insurance.

Check the Contractor’s Record at the Better Business Bureau

A contractor’s record at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can reveal important things about its customer service, particularly whether or not it resolves customer complaints. If a contractor’s record makes it appear controversial, choosing a contractor who experiences less drama is the safest move.

Ask for Several Customer References

The more references you speak with, the more you learn about how a contractor’s customers regard its services. Speaking with three or four references is the norm, but the best idea is to speak with seven or eight. When heating and air conditioning contractors refuse to provide extra references, it may be a sign that many of their customers feel ambivalent or dissatisfied with the service they received.
Assess the Contractor’s Financial Stability

A contractor who lacks financial stability could go out of business and leave your project unfinished. This is why you should run a credit check on a contractor before you sign a contract. This rule is especially important when the contractor will perform a long, involved project, such as a furnace and ductwork replacement.

Never Pay for Work Upfront

Heating and air conditioning contractors who request to be paid upfront usually have one of two problems: financial instability or poor workmanship. In the first case, you risk having your project put on hold while your money is used to finish the contractor’s previous project. In the second case, you can end up with poorly installed equipment, with no financial leverage to force the contractor to fix the problem.

Get Everything in Writing

Before the contractor begins work, be sure that every aspect of the project is agreed to in writing. For example, if the contractor agrees to finish the project by a certain date, make the agreement financially binding. You should also have the total cost for the project in writing. Getting everything in writing does not mean you distrust the contractor; it means that you are protecting yourself financially.

Do You Need a HVAC Contractor Today?

If so, call Bardi Heating and Air Conditioning. For over twenty years, Bardi has helped keep commercial and residential buildings in the Atlanta area warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. With winter fast approaching, our Atlanta furnace repair experts are ready to inspect, clean, and/or repair your home or business’ furnace. To learn about our special coupon for residential furnace maintenance, call us today.

Preparing Your HVAC System for Winter

Preparing an HVAC system for winter begins with performing basic system checks on the following components, among others:

• Pilot light
• Burner
• Gas line
• Air distribution fan
• Air filter
• Ductwork

In some cases, these checks reveal the need for repairs, such as sealing leaky ducts or replacing a frayed fan belt. When a furnace is cleaned and lubricated regularly, and is less than twenty years old, significant repairs are usually unnecessary. If an inspection shows that your furnace needs repair, the Atlanta furnace repair experts at Bardi will explain the problem fully, and work to offer you the lowest price.

Preparing Your HVAC System for Summer

Preparing an HVAC system for summer is similar to preparing it for winter. Checking the following system components is mandatory:

• Air distribution fan
• Air filter
• Ductwork
• Condensate lines
• Air conditioning coils
• Refrigerant reservoir

The heat and humidity of Atlanta summers can be brutal, but having your air conditioner checked annually by the heating and air in Atlanta experts at Bardi will help keep it prime operating condition.

Maintenance Scheduling and Cost

Residential HVAC inspections should be performed in the late summer for heating, and in the early spring for cooling. In Atlanta, the average cost to have a home HVAC system inspected and cleaned is affordable on most budgets, and the repair needs that HVAC inspections reveal are similarly affordable. More often than not, costly repairs occur when the system has a major problem that is first noticed by the homeowner.

Atlanta has numerous HVAC services, which can make choosing the right one tedious. Most importantly, homeowners should choose a service that is licensed to perform HVAC work in the state of Georgia, has an excellent record at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and employs NATE (North American Technical Excellence) certified technicians. They should also perform a thorough price comparison. While most HVAC services will quote a reasonable price, some will not.

Call Bardi for Your Residential HVAC Needs

At Bardi, we perform the best HVAC work for the best price. Unlike some services, our family owned business approach places the needs of our customers first, and keeps them informed throughout the service process. Whether your home’s HVAC system needs to be maintained, repaired, or replaced, the heating and air in Atlanta experts at Bardi are here to help. Call us today for a free consultation.

Must an HVAC company have a license to perform work in Georgia?

Yes. In Georgia, an HVAC company must have a Class I Air Contractors License or a Class II Air Contractors License from the State Construction Industry Licensing Board. The Class I license allows contractors to work on systems that contain a maximum of 175,000 BTU for heating and a maximum of 60,000 BTU for cooling. The Class II license allows them to work on systems of any capacity.

How much should an HVAC company be insured for?

In Georgia, the standard amount of insurance coverage for heating and air companies is roughly $2 million per project. This coverage is for property damage and/or personal injury.

In Georgia, heating and air companies do not need insurance to receive a license.

What type of bonding should an HVAC company carry?

A residential HVAC company should at least carry a surety bond. In particular, it should carry a performance bond, which protects the property owner from financial loss that results from the contractor’s failure to render services according to the contract. Some services also carry a fidelity bond, which protects property owners from loss of property (e.g. theft).

In Georgia, heating and air companies do not need bonding to receive a license.

How much experience should an HVAC company have?

A company need not have a set amount of experience to perform good work, but a company with years of experience to its credit is always preferred. Perhaps the best way to assess a company’s experience is to speak with several of its former customers. If they are satisfied with its work, chances are that you will be satisfied too.

What are the signs of an unscrupulous HVAC company?

There could be several signs that a company is unscrupulous, some of the most common of which are:

• Soliciting work through cold calling
• Soliciting work by going door to door
• The absence of a physical business address
• Asking for payment before work has been performed

If a company displays one or more of these signs, choosing a different company is the safest move.

How Does Bardi compare to other HVAC Companies?

Bardi Heating and Air Conditioning differs from many HVAC companies in three ways: we use a family owned business approach to deliver personalized service; we have over twenty years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC service; and we only hire qualified, professional technicians to serve our customers.

There are numerous heating and air companies to choose from. For HVAC service in the greater Atlanta region, Bardi is the premier choice. Call us today to find out about our special coupon for residential furnace maintenance.

“I feel a little bit of heat coming out, but not enough.”

If your system fails to deliver the amount of heat your family needs as temperatures begin to drop, try checking your thermostat just to make sure you have set it correctly. As simple as it may sound, homeowners often adjust the temperature without switching the system from cool to heat. Examine your vents to see if they are open, and that there is nothing in your home that is restricting the airflow. If you are still faced with the same dilemma after checking on your own, give your trusted HVAC expert a call. The most common reason for insufficient heat is a faulty blower, which is a simple and inexpensive fix provided by NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified technicians.

“I can hear my furnace running differently than it did before.”

Whether systems are switching on and off more frequently than in the past, or a blower continues to run non stop, homeowners immediately notice the difference in how their equipment sounds. Although strange noises are often overlooked when furnaces continue to heat rooms normally, they still represent a problem that could easily become worse if you do not address it right away. Faulty thermostats are historically guilty of causing furnaces to cycle on and off excessively, and a continuously running blower is often due to poorly adjusted limit switches. In each circumstance, Atlanta heating and air specialists will quickly correct the problem, preventing your utility bill from skyrocketing.

Keep Bardi on Speed Dial This Winter

Choosing certified technicians for all of your home ownership maintenance or emergency needs is easier than ever when Bardi is your go-to Atlanta heating and air company. Regardless of your HVAC debacle, each technician is NATE certified, professional, and fully qualified to turn your faulty system into a high performance heating machine. Offering the highest level of maintenance planning, repairing solutions, and replacement options, Bardi continues to service customers unlike any other provider in Georgia. The most comprehensive guarantees in the industry have made it clear: homeowners in the metropolitan area know exactly who to rely on for affordable repairs that, in turn, prevent costly replacements.

Building Problems

Furnaces and air conditioning units are mechanical, made up of several different components that allow them to function properly. If you plan on enjoying comfortable temperatures throughout the blistering summer and chilly winter, you are going to have to nurture your system in the same way you would take care of any other machine you depend on every day. Although there are many reasons we maintain our vehicles, two of them stand out the most. Avoiding costly repairs, and extending the duration of use. It is common knowledge that a car owner who neglects oil changes will run into some even bigger problems down the road. The same concept applies for your system.

The thought of companies making up excuses to scare owners into spending their money is completely false when you consider that normal dust and dirt buildup are the leading causes of system failure. An HVAC maintenance plan is an effective way to care for your equipment in small, inexpensive doses, rather than facing an expensive replacement ordeal before you are actually due for one.

What to Expect from a Reasonable Plan

Now that we agree on the need to think ahead, choosing an Atlanta heating and air expert who is truly qualified for the job is a slightly different story. A worthwhile scheduled plan will provide a way for you to take preventative measures to extend the life of your equipment, without breaking the bank. Reputable companies will identify the specific goals of your plan, such as lowering your utility bills, improving safety, and providing healthier air for your family or employees. Affordable HVAC maintenance memberships will also offer incentives to owners with multiple units, priority scheduling to make the service process convenient, and special discounts to really stretch your dollar.

From Reasonable to Outstanding

Bardi continues to be the number one Atlanta heating and air provider that Georgians rely on for quality and affordable service plans. Weighing in at less than one dollar per day, Bardi offers HVAC maintenance agreements that are easy for owners to weave into their budgets, allowing them assurance that they are taking the most effective steps toward extending the life of their equipment. Each technician is NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified, and committed to spending as much time on each unit as the job calls for, for one flat annual fee. System tune-ups are conducted bi-annually for each member, guaranteeing equipment that will run at peak performance, every season of the year.

NATE is Your New Best Friend

Unlike broad certification tests, NATE testing represents a real working knowledge of specialized HVAC services. There are several areas of testing that allow technicians to become bona fide experts, along with different levels of achievement for each one. How does this relate to your home or business? You probably would not call a mechanic whose specialty is transmissions, if your car needs cosmetic collision body work. When heating companies claim to know the ins and outs of an indoor climate system, it does not necessarily mean they are equipped to handle your unique maintenance, repair, or replacement needs.

Meet KATE, She Calls The Shots around Here

For every type of NATE certification, technicians are provided a KATE (Knowledge Area of Technician Expertise) outline. KATE guidelines are in place to simplify the certification process for HVAC technicians, by dividing each type of test based on the realistic service, experience, and skill level of the tester. Before any technician can proceed with certification, core exams are given to analyze his or her strengths and weaknesses. General, construction, and specialized skills are tested to determine which area of service suits the technician best. Although it might seem tedious, the main objective of this multi-faceted process is to guarantee the technician you hire for your home or business is legitimately qualified to tackle any challenge your furnace or air conditioning unit presents to them.

Choosing To Ignore NATE and KATE

You may be wondering why most Atlanta heating and air providers choose not to hire NATE certified technicians, if they are everything they claim to be. The answer is simple: NATE certification is not a requirement of the HVAC trade. It is an elective opportunity to prove each technician’s value to heating companies. A considerable amount of time, dedication, and commitment is expected from technicians, in addition to testing fees. Providers who choose to ignore NATE certification are not denying the level of expertise that validates the title; they are simply unwilling to compensate certified technicians with the wages they rightfully deserve. As a result, unprofessional, uneducated, and less than qualified service workers are sent to homes and businesses throughout Georgia every day.

Bardi Insists on Hiring NATE Certified Technicians

Heating companies like Bardi are unwilling to settle for less than the absolute best technicians when it comes to providing service to loyal customers. As the leading Atlanta heating and air specialists, Bardi takes pride in knowing that every time you pick up the phone with furnace or cooling issues, we are capable of sending an expert who is fully qualified to service your unit. By demanding NATE certification from each and every one of our employees, we are one of the only providers capable of standing behind our work with the most comprehensive guarantees in the industry. That is what we call priceless reassurance for your home or business, and absolute peace of mind in the long run.

The Atlanta heating and air experts that you hire should be dependable, trustworthy, and respectable individuals. After all, you will be opening your home or business doors to technicians, trusting them to deliver a quality maintenance tune-up, repair, or system replacement without actually getting to know them on a personal level beforehand. Choosing Atlanta heating companies that screen, train, and guide all technicians in the same way they would desire for their own service will save you a lot of unnecessary worry, regret, and discomfort.

If you wouldn’t invite someone with the following characteristics for dinner, you certainly don’t want them in charge of your HVAC system:

1. Servicing under the Influence: Believe it or not, illegal drug testing is only a standard practice of some, not all HVAC businesses in Georgia. Considering that a properly serviced furnace or cooling unit provides comfort and can eliminate the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, technicians need to make testing for carbon monoxide poisoning a mainstay in their business practices.

2. Bonnie and Clyde, At Your Service: Criminal background checks and safe driver testing are expected among several workplaces throughout the metropolitan area. Why is it that some Atlanta heating companies believe they are exempt from these tests? Most home and business owners are rightfully uneasy with rising public crime rates. Welcoming criminal activity in a place you need to feel the most secure can produce devastating results.

3. Fashionably Late Technicians: There’s nothing chic about placing a call to a professional that decides to show up whenever he or she wants. You are hiring a service, and paying your hard-earned money for it. Don’t you think the arrival terms should be up to you, instead of them? Homeowners have things to do, and places to go. Businesses need prompt solutions to prevent expensive productivity loss. Reputable HVAC experts use computerized dispatching methods, and provide GPS systems to make sure your technician knocks on the door at the exact time you are expecting him or her to arrive.

4. Unprepared and Unapologetic: In addition to arriving on time, technicians need to be fully prepared to evaluate your system and provide service in a single visit. The fact that most Atlanta heating and air businesses do not fully stock their service trucks for every possible scenario is not only irritating, it is blatantly disrespectful of your time.

5. HVAC Ignorance Is Not Bliss: Georgia families and businesses rely on indoor climate control three-hundred and sixty-five days a year. Hiring providers who are certified, licensed, bonded, and insured will prevent mistakes that are common for uneducated technicians that often lead to a system melt down. Make sure the company you choose will take care of your problem, rather than make it worse.

Bardi is your number one Atlanta heating and air provider, when you simply cannot afford to play costly games with your indoor climate system. A combination of rigorous employee testing, and a special emphasis on NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification has made Bardi the most trustworthy, dependable, and respected company in the metropolitan area. If you’ve ever experienced HVAC technician blunders, or you plan on taking every step possible to avoid them, give the experts at Bardi a call to find out how we will ease your mind, and become the only provider you open your doors to.

System age and current condition are the two factors checked first when a technician is evaluating your system. After seven years of operation, these units typically receive the replacement recommendation. Maintenance is more suitable for newer units because the repairs can supply improved efficiency and operation. Keep this in mind when you have a professional come out to provide a servicing estimate.

Atlanta Furnace Repair: System Type Determines Maintenance Needs

Atlanta furnace repair maintenance recommendations might be affected by the type of unit currently operating within your home. Electrical systems consist of the basic components, but do not have the additional concerns brought on with fuel supplied models. A gas furnace performs in much the same way, but has parts such as the pilot light and the gas burner that require their own specific maintenance. Heater components are stored in a large cabinet that pulls in cold air to be cleaned and warmed. Once it has been heated to the set temperature, air is distributed by the blower motor to the strategically placed vents in your home.

Units are categorized by many factors, including the method used for heating air. For example, a gas furnace uses a burner to perform the warming process. The pilot must be lit for the burner to make use of supplied gas for heating. If the pilot malfunctions, you will not receive warm air when the blower is operating. An electrical design uses a heating coil that completes warming while electrical currents are supplied. Air is warmed by the coil as its temperature increases and is subsequently sent throughout your home by the blower. Blower, thermostat, electrical switch problems, and burner malfunctions are most common, regardless of the heating source. Maintenance varies due to the additional parts being used by a fuel-based unit.

Always consult with an Atlanta furnace repair expert unless you are familiar with the internal components of your installed unit. Their knowledge will help you make the wisest decision when it comes to considering large repairs. You may find replacement to be more efficient than electing to have a technician complete the recommended fixes. These systems have many internal components that must work together to provide proper air flow and temperature regulation. A single part malfunction could affect the entire operation of your system as well as its energy efficiency. Heating and air conditioning services should be supplied by a dependable professional. Bardi technicians have extensive training, are certified, and are available twenty-four hours a day. Schedule an appointment today to have one of our expert technicians inspect or service your system.

Many variables will determine the overall cost of replacing your reduced efficiency system. Replacement typically arises when your unit stops functioning completely or when this option provides more value than the needed repairs. You do not necessarily have to replace everything at one time. The heating portion may be one installation with the cooling unit being another. This decision will greatly depend on the amount of funds you currently have available, along with where the problem lies. Professionals are your best source of advice when your home appliance quandary evolves into a dire calamity. They can evaluate home size, system needs, and other factors to supply the best purchasing advice.

Atlanta Heating: Replacement Involves Three Distinct Costs

Three basic expense groupings are present when Atlanta heating professionals must replace your system. Part replacement varies on the heating method and the current condition of these components. In a gas furnace, some suggested part replacements include the flue, jack boot, flashing, sheet metal transitions, thermostat, wiring, fitting, connectors, piping, drain pan, and the circuit breaker. Technicians make recommendations per system, meaning not all parts are always swapped out for new components. The method for heating will play a part in these decisions since fuel burning models have additional parts not found in an electric based system. Supplies such as sealer, tape, and fasteners are also part of the total cost. Expect the part replacement portion to range anywhere from three hundred to six hundred dollars.

The furnace purchase will be a large contributor to the overall cost of an Atlanta heating installation. A Bardi technician can help you calculate proper unit size as well as discuss the reliability of various brands. Their knowledge may be combined with your exact comfort desires to ensure you are buying a suitable replacement system. Higher quality models will come with a more expensive price tag, but will also offer better warranties and manufacturing practices. Size is an area with little flexibility because the unit must fit air flow needs of your home. Improper sizing leads to performance complications that degrade the value of a new installation.

Unit price increases along with the size, meaning you will have to look toward other buying areas if purchasing expenses must be reduced. Features, efficiency ratings, and the time of year are reasons for price fluctuation. Furnace replacement can range as little as four hundred dollars or as much as three grand. Installation costs vary by provider, making it essential to receive a minimum of three company quotes for heating and air in Atlanta. Our technicians have all the experience necessary to provide cost effective recommendations for replacement. Call us today to schedule an evaluation and receive a quality installation estimate.