Incompetent, inexperienced and lazy home heating and cooling professionals use stopgap measures that provide a temporary solution that's to the detriment of the overall health of the system. Consumers who need HVAC repair services should educate themselves on the basic operation of the home heating and cooling system so they know what to expect of a competent professional. When HVAC repair is necessary, make sure that the technician performs a thorough unit inspection, which should include:

Ensuring the accuracy of the thermostat

Inspecting refrigerant levels in the AC unit

The use of a leak detector to locate problems

Collecting and properly disposing of leaking refrigerant

A screening for seal duct leakage

Airflow measurements

Proper system operation verifications

Electrical components inspections

Motor and belt checks

Questions to Ask a Laguna Hills HVAC Repair Professional

When considering a specific HVAC repair contractor, always ask about labor and parts guarantees, and make sure that all technicians are properly licensed and insured by California regulatory labor bureaus. It's also wiser to choose a well-established local company, since these contractors live and die by good word of mouth and a strong reputation for professional excellence. Finally, make sure to get a full price quote before any work begins, and all rates and guarantees should be put in writing.

Many home heating repair costs can be avoided through regular preventative care and diligent maintenance of the HVAC unit. When shopping for a new unit, talk to the contractor about getting regularly scheduled checkup-style service to make sure everything is running smoothly and any potential problems are dealt with early, before they start to affect the entire system. Consumers purchasing or moving into a house with an existing unit should make sure that the system has been serviced and is working properly. It's also essential to make proper use of an HVAC unit to prevent the need for home heating or air conditioning repairs. Whenever the unit is running, vents should be unobstructed and all windows and doors should be tightly sealed. When the system has to overwork itself, it will turn on and off far more frequently than normal, straining its electrical and mechanical parts. Choose the Right Home Heating Repair Contractor Should home heating unit repair become necessary for one reason or another, consumers should choose their contractors wisely. Make sure any company under consideration is licensed, insured and registered with local or state labor associations. Talk to friends and neighbors to gather referrals, and query the company in detail about its guarantees and pricing policies. It's best to get a flat-rate up-front quote that covers all parts and labor costs, rather than allow guesswork to enter the equation and balloon the home heating repair bill.

Copyright (c) 2008 John First