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Choosing the Right Contractor
Energy Efficient Solutions is dedicated to providing the best TRANE, York, Climatemaster, Encapsulated Crawlspace and Sprayfoam Insulation products and services. We believe that you should understand as much about your indoor air comfort systems and your options to improve your indoor air quality and comfort while reducing the overall operating and ownership costs of your system. If you haven't decided on Energy Efficient Solutions, we ask you to compare us with our competitors using the following check-list. When you do, we're certain you'll find that EES is the right choice.
The following tips can help you make an educated decision and ensure you get the minimum acceptable service quality from your contractor:
HVAC Contractor Selection Criteria |
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Your contractor should be licensed, well trained, and experienced to provide quality installations. Don't be afraid to ask your contractor about their training, experience, and membership in contractor associations.
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Good contractors own and use refrigerant recovery equipment and are certified to handle refrigerant in cooling systems. Demand proof that your contractor is certified.
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Contractors should know how to properly size your home heating and cooling system (e.g., determine whether you need a 2-ton or 3-ton cooling system). Don't use a contractor who wants to size your unit solely on the square footage of your house.
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Contractors should calculate equipment size using computer software or professional guidelines such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's "Manual J."
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Your contractor should spend at least a half hour poking around your house or office taking measurements, and asking questions. He or she needs to measure ceilings, floors, windows, and walls, and check insulation throughout the home. Systems that have been sized properly to fit your home or building provide better humidity control, cycle on and off less frequently, and cost less than oversized systems. Insist on seeing a copy of the load calculations (or computer printout).
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Your contractor should inspect your ducts for leaks, incomplete connections, and compatibility with the rest of your system. Ideally, your contractor should use diagnostic equipment and fix leaks using a quality duct sealant (duct tape is not sufficient). He or she may also recommend changes to your duct system to save you money.
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If your house or water heater uses combustion (i.e., it burns natural gas, propane, fuel oil or something similar), you should have a house pressurization test performed to make certain there is no danger of "backdrafting." Backdrafting is when the fumes from the combustion process are pulled back into the home, threatening the health and safety of occupants.
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Air conditioners and heat pumps must have matching indoor and outdoor coils. Your contractor should replace both coils at the same time for maximum efficiency.
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Your contractor should install your system with ease of maintenance in mind. Make sure the inside coil can be reached for cleaning. If necessary, your contractor should install an access panel. The coil should be cleaned every two years. The air filter should also be easy to remove and should be cleaned or changed whenever it is dirty.
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If practical, have the contractor place outside air conditioning units on the north or east side of the house, out of direct sunlight. Leave plenty of room for free air flow on all sides, and at least 4 feet at the top. Keep the area free of debris and shrubbery.
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Always obtain a written contract or proposal before allowing your contractor to install a new system and be sure to ask about warranties.
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Remember, the contractor who gives you the lowest bid may not be the best choice for you. Paying slightly more may get you better equipment, better service, and lower operating costs going forward. Choose a contractor that explains the total cost of the systems you are evaluating.
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