Choosing a Contractor

There are literally hundreds of choices when it comes to picking an Air Conditioning and Heating Contractor on and around Philadelphia's Main Line.  Choosing the right contractor can make the difference between getting the most comfort and efficiency for your money or, getting stuck with a system that doesn't meet your needs. Here are some tips on evaluating a contractor:

• Ask the contractor you are considering how long they've been in business. Common sense says that older, more established companies will have a better record or customer satisfaction.

• Check to see he has a contractor's license. Contractors must have a license to receive the permits needed for the job. And, only licensed HVAC contractors can legally purchase the refrigeration needed for air conditioners and heat pumps.

• Ask for references. Then, follow up by calling those people and asking them how satisfied they were with the dealer. Try to ask specific questions, about the contractor's timeliness, ability to follow through on start and finish times, etc.

Questions you may want to ask

The following is a list, prepared by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), of questions you may want to ask when you are trying to make a selection.

	Will the contractor listen to your needs?
	Is the contractor complying with state and local codes?
	Has the contractor provided you with a list of professional, business and trade references?
	Does the contractor have continuous formal training for their co-workers to assure YOU the best quality job?
	Is the contractor in good standing with the Better Business Bureau?
	Has the contractor given you performance guarantees in writing?
	If anything goes wrong during installation, does the contractor have adequate insurance to cover your losses?
	Will the contractor stand behind your installation?
	Can the contractor service your new system in the future?
	Will the contractor install your new system in a timely, professional manner?
	Is the contractor financially responsible?
	Has the contractor provided you with a list of satisfied customers?
	Does the contractor provide uniforms, pants and shirts, for his employees. Uniforms are a reflection of the type of company you are hiring.

Making the decision

If more than one dealer satisfies your requirements, trust your judgment. If you feel comfortable with one dealer, but still have reservations about another, go with the one you feel most comfortable with.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting You Can Do Yourself 

With the proper maintenance and care, your equipment will operate economically and dependably for years. There are a few simple, routine maintenance operations you can do to help ensure the best performance and comfort from your system.

Before you perform any kind of maintenance, consider these important safety precautions.

• Disconnect all electrical power to the unit before removing access panels to perform maintenance. Please note that there may be more than one power connection switch.

• Be careful when you handle parts or reach into units.  Some equipment might have sharp edges.

Routine Maintenance

Check the air filter in your furnace or fan coil every 3 to 4 weeks. A dirty filter will cause excessive strain on your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump. Replace your filter when necessary, or clean it if you have the reusable type. (If you have a reusable filter, make sure it's completely dry before you re-install it.) The prefilter and collection cells of an electronic air cleaner should be cleaned at least two or three times per year. Clean dust off of your indoor coil. With a vacuum cleaner and soft-brush attachment, you can remove any dust from the top and underside of the coil. Make sure you only do this when the coil is dry. If you can't get the coil clean this way, call your dealer for service. Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris. If you keep grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery and debris away from your outdoor unit, it should only require minimal care to operate properly. Check the base pan (under the unit) occasionally and remove debris, to help the unit drain correctly. If the outdoor coil becomes dirty, use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the surface. To clean dirt that is deep in the coil, contact your dealer.

Make sure your outdoor unit stays in a level position. If the support for your split-system outdoor unit shifts or settles and the unit is no longer level, re-level it promptly to make sure moisture drains properly out of the unit. If you notice that water or ice collects beneath the unit, arrange for it to be drained away from the equipment.

Inspect your furnace's combustion area and vent system before each heating season. If you find dirt, soot or rust, your system may not operate properly or at its peak efficiency. Call your Bob Cermignano and do not operate your furnace until it is professionally inspected and/or repaired.

Have oil-fired boilers inspected annually. Call Bob Cermignano before each heating season to replace your oil filter cartridge and conduct a thorough inspection of the unit's operation. Clean your humidifier at the beginning of every heating season. Review your owner's manual for the proper procedure to clean the external and internal components of your unit.

The evaporator pad should also be replaced before each heating season. If the water in your area is hard or has high mineral content, you may need to clean or service your humidifier more frequently. Clean the core and air filters on a ventilator at least every three months. You can vacuum the core of an energy recovery ventilator as long as it is dry and the outdoor temperature is between 60 F (16 C) and 75 F (24 C). Heat recovery ventilator cores can be soaked for three hours in a solution of warm water and mild soap and then rinsed. Ventilator air filters are washable: just use a vacuum to remove the heaviest accumulation of dust, and then wash them in lukewarm water. Replace them after they are completely dry.

 Before You Request A "Service Call": Check disconnect switches (indoor and outdoor if you have a split system). Make sure that circuit breakers are ON or that fuses have not blown. Check for sufficient airflow. Make sure air filters are clean and that supply-air and return-air grilles are open and unobstructed. Check the settings on your thermostat. If you want cooling, make sure the temperature control selector is set below room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is on the COOL or AUTO position. If you want heat, make sure the temperature control selector is set above room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is at HEAT or AUTO. The FAN switch should be set at ON for continuous blower operation or AUTO if you want the blower to function only while the unit is operating.

In addition to the routine maintenance you perform, your home comfort system should be inspected at least once a year by a properly trained service technician. Call Bob Cermignano to make sure your system operates safely and gives you the best performance at the lowest cost. Ask Bob about an economical service contract that covers seasonal inspections for a flat fee.  Click here to read more about service contracts.