Step one is to have a heating and cooling company perform a maintenance check on your central air system before the end of May. If you have window units instead of central air, it’s a good idea to have a HVAC company check their freon levels. You should also have technicians check the air filters in your air system or window units, as dirty filters can decrease air flow. If you’re wondering about the best company, going with a company that employs NATE certified technicians is the safest bet.

In the event that your cooling system should somehow malfunction, it’s a good idea buy two or three large floor fans around the same time that you have your air system serviced. It’s also a good idea to know where your area’s public “cool centers” are located. In the event that you can’t locate any cool centers, shopping malls and libraries make great cool center by default.

As a final preparation, learn the signs of heat illness, which include disorientation, hallucinations, confusion, irritability, confusion, trouble breathing, muscle cramps, general weakness dizziness, fainting and cold, clammy skin or hot, dry skin. If you or someone that you know has been exposed to the heat and begins exhibiting any of these signs, it’s best to call 911.

The first question to ask is whether a HVAC company has the flexibility that you need. For example, if you want to install a certain air handler that the company won’t provide, that’s something that you want to know before a service-person visits your house. Another important aspect of flexibility is whether the company can complete your project in a timely manner. Some companies rope in as many customers as possible without giving much thought to project length. A third important issue of flexibility deals with financing. If you can’t pay for the project with a check, you’ll need to make sure that the company offers agreeable financing.

The second question to ask is whether a company has the level of expertise that you need. For example, if you’re installing ductwork, the heating and cooling company should be able to mend your ceilings after installation. In many cases, homeowners are left to hire another company to do aesthetic repair work, which increases project cost. Another important issue of expertise is whether the company’s workers are NATE certified. NATE certification indicates that workers are formally trained in the best work procedures. While the certification doesn’t “guarantee” superior workers, it at least indicates their superior expertise.

When you determine companies’ flexibility and expertise, it becomes easier to choose the right company. If you’ve found what you think is a great company but you want more assurance, check the company’s complaint record by visiting the Better Business Bureau (BBB) online. A company that resolves its complaints is typically a company that values its customers.

When you hear someone talking about replacing a central air system, they’re probably not talk about air conditioning duct repair. More than likely, they’re referring to replacing the components of a central air system: an air handler, an air conditioner and a control panel that controls the air conditioner. For a high quality air handler, you can usually expect to pay around $2,000. But the cost of a new air conditioner depends on the size of your home. For a small home, a new air conditioner might cost around $1,600, while for a large home the cost can be several thousand more. Air conditioners are ranked in terms of “air tonnage”, and the level of tonnage that you have to use is dictated by law. So, it’s best not to try to save money by buying smaller unit than you optimally need. The price of replacing a control panel is nominal, with a basic model costing perhaps $50.

Air conditioners and air handlers usually don’t break down simultaneously. But when your air conditioner needs replacing and a service-person inspects your air system, they might find that your air handler is nearing the end of its lifespan and offer you a package to replace both. In such cases, paying around $12,000, including labor, for a 2,500 sq ft house is rather common. If you find yourself in this position, the bright side is that most heating and cooling companies offer in-house financing at low interest rates.

Heat pump furnaces operate through the use of a reverse valve that allows the air to be heated or cooled when needed. These systems are designed to work effectively for cold and warm weather and can save you the cost of having two systems installed. The biggest draw back of these types of systems is that they are not as efficient as two separate HVAC systems. If the temperature gets very cold during the winter months, you may need another heat source to achieve a comfortable temperature in your home during those months.

Regular furnaces are more efficient but the initial installation and later heating repair costs can be higher. However, if you take proper care of these systems and perform regular maintenance on them, costly repairs are very unlikely. Because they are more efficient, they will decrease your energy costs and guarantee your home to be comfortable no matter what time of the year it is.

Choosing which type works best for you may require a little research. If your home is smaller and does not really have the room for a conventional heating and cooling system, a heat pump system might be a more feasible option for you. Consider the area you live in and the average temperatures throughout the year. This can be the biggest determinant on the type of system you choose.

When you have this type of system in your home it is always best to have any problems that are not thermostat related checked out by someone who specializes in this type of heating repair in Atlanta. In some cases, there are things you can check yourself that do not pose any danger to you or your family. When your furnace is not kicking on as it should or is not producing enough heat, you can check the thermostat, filters, and circuit breakers. Problems such as the natural gas valve being closed or the pilot light being out should be looked at by a professional in the heating and cooling business.

Problems such as the furnace kicking on and off too frequently, the blower running constantly, and belt problems are more serious. Repairs like these are often caused by internal parts of the system malfunctioning or breaking and require precision and care when being worked on. Natural gas furnace repair can be dangerous when not done appropriately and should not be attempted by you for the safety of your family and home. Leave things like these to people who know what needs to be done in order to be safe and effective.

Certain parts have been proven to be more efficient and help your system last longer. The first is a multi-speed compressor that allows your system to run on a lower level reducing the amount of energy required on milder days. The system can still run full speed on days that require maximum cooling. The second is the scroll compressor which creates less friction between parts reducing the wear on your system over time.

New systems are becoming available that also eliminate the use of Freon. This substance has been used for many years and is on its way out due to the negative affects it has on the environment. Companies are starting to provide systems that run on a replacement substance called R4-104 that does not deplete the ozone layer and is becoming the new standard. To ensure that your system is not outdated and can be serviced for a longer period of time, purchasing one that uses this new substance could be one of your best decisions.

Consider the capacity and what it will cost to have the system installed. The air conditioning contractor you are working with will determine what capacity you need to properly service your home. After that, you will need to decide which model works best for you. Don’t forget to consider the area you live in as well. Some systems are designed to work better in certain environments and handle things such as high humidity better.

Before deciding to have your ductwork cleaned, consider why you think they should be cleaned and determine if it is a feasible solution. The easiest way to tell if this is necessary is to look for clues such as family members being sick for unexplained reasons that could be related to the home environment itself. Before having the process done, check with a doctor to rule out any other possible reasons and check to see if there is any mold or blockages that could pose health problems. Even if there are no health problems, you may choose to have your ducts cleaned regularly as a way to protect your HVAC system and ensure that it has a longer life.

HVAC repair is vital to the life of your heating and air system. This includes things such as regular filter replacement, cleaning of parts, and checking belts and other parts to make sure they are still in good shape. Ductwork repair and other maintenance functions can increase the efficiency of your system and make sure it runs properly each year. This will help cut down your electricity and possibly even medical costs allowing you to spend money where you want to instead of on a broken or worn down heater.

Compared to other heat sources, heat pumps are superior in a variety of ways. Unlike wood furnaces, radiators and gas powered furnaces, heat pumps don’t burn fuel and therefore offer cleaner heat; and they are safer for the same reason. Another advantage of heat pumps is that, unlike traditional furnaces, they don’t release sudden blasts of hot air. Instead, they heat a room gradually and maintain an even temperature. Unlike radiators, their release value means that you don’t have to wait for excess heat to dissipate on its own. Economically, heat pumps cost less to operate than electric and gas powered furnaces and heaters. Remaining in use year round, heat pumps combine an efficient heating and cooling method into a single unit that costs less than per hour of use than electric and gas furnaces above.

To avoid spending money on a new heat source, most of us stick with our heating and cooling arrangements until they have to be replaced. If you’re in this position, switching out your old furnace for a heat pump will save you money on heating bills, supply you with cleaner air and maintain a more consistent temperature in your home.

If your furnace was installed by a heating contractor, they can inform you of what the proper maintenance for your particular model is and will often perform the maintenance for you at a reasonable cost. This doesn’t mean you have to call them each time something needs to be done. Basic maintenance can be done to prevent larger problems from occurring. The most important thing is to remember to check your filter. Filters that become clogged reduce how productive your forced air electric furnace is and can damage other parts of the furnace. Air vents need to be checked for leaks at least yearly and any found can be sealed with duct tape.

Replaceable filters should be checked monthly and changed when needed. To change your filter, you will want to shut off power running to the unit and find the location of the filter. Once you have found the location of the filter, remove the panel that protects it and slide the filter out of the heater. Then install the new replacement filter. While you have the unit open you may want to clean other parts such as the fan blades and check the belts to make sure they are not worn. This will help keep your furnace running more efficiently and prevent larger maintenance problems from occurring.

Given today’s litigious environment, one of the first items on the table should be licensing, bonding, and insurance. Your contractor should be licensed to do business in the State of Georgia, and they should be bonded and insured to $2,000,000 for general liability. But even if there is adequate insurance, you don’t want a project delayed or to have the overhead of accidents or injury, so you will want to check the safety record of your contractor. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Georgia does a good job of monitoring the safety record of contractors in Georgia. Your contractor will be a member of ABC and they will have information on their record for safety. Your HVAC contractor should also operate as a certified drug-free workplace.

You will want some assurance of competency. This can be accomplished by checking to see if all the HVAC contractor’s technicians are certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE). The NATE is an independent body providing certification for HVAC technicians. Your contractor should also be able to provide in-house engineering and construction design services so you are not having to deal with yet another party to perform these functions. The selected contractor should be able to provide a lifetime guarantee for workmanship and should provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee in writing for the completed work.

It is hard enough to get a building project off the ground without being nickled-and-dimed to death for engineering and design just to get some cost estimates. This is another reason your contractor should have in-house engineering and design capability. They should earn your business by submitting a project estimate free of charge, but unless they have this capability in-house, such a proposal is not going to be very meaningful.

Also remember that there is no reason why the buyer or tenant should ever have to look outside for ongoing service. If your contractor will also be providing a competitive service package for continued, regular maintenance of the HVAC and mechanical systems, you can be further assured that the design, installation and workmanship are of high quality. Whether this is for a residential or commercial property and the contractor will be providing ongoing service, you want them to be flexible as well, offering flexible maintenance agreements and having the capacity to provide service calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

By checking to make sure that your HVAC contractor can meet all these criteria, you will ensure that your building project can go smoothly and the occupants of the building will be happy with the finished product long into the future. The HVAC and mechanical systems have a big impact on the satisfaction of the end user, and success with this aspect of the project will have a lot to do with the HVAC contractor you select.

Bardi Heating and Air conditioning is an Atlanta area HVAC contractor specializing in design and installation of air conditioning systems for residential and commercial projects of any size.