Did you know that, according to the National Weather Service, winter 2014 is expected to be the harshest in recent history? Thanks to another lengthy visit from the polar vortex, winter months are expected to be colder, the snow more voluminous, and the season many weeks longer. If you want to be ready to keep your home comfortable and your family healthy, you need to find a heating and cooling service that knows how to keep home air conditioning systems in tiptop shape all season long.

How to Find the Best Heating and Cooling Services

• The Best Heating and Cooling Companies Offer Comprehensive Estimates

As the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy details, the best heating and cooling services will offer you highly detailed estimates for any work they’re doing. For instance, if you’re planning to have a new system installed, you should expect an estimate for labor, the cost of the unit, and how much you can expect to pay in energy bills over the life of the unit, based on your average estimated usage. Additionally, your service should know how much regular maintenance and the more common repairs will cost. This knowledge is essential to keeping costs low, so make it a priority in your search.


• Ask the Right Questions to Find an Experienced Contractor

Unfortunately, because there is such a high demand for air conditioning contractors, many disreputable “professionals” have gotten into the industry in recent years hoping to take advantage of the market. These are people without any real training or qualifications. These “Fly-By-Night” contractors, as the Comfort Institute calls them, are typically amateurs who charge far too much for sub-par service. By asking about experience, requiring a copy of any licensing before you hire them, and asking for referrals, you can protect yourself. Any heating and cooling service worth their salt will be more than willing to provide this proof of expertise.


• Look for a Company with Insurance

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) writes that, as with many home improvement projects, there is a chance that the installation or repair of a home air conditioning system will result in minor damage to parts of your home, even if it’s something as small as chipped paint. Subsequently, the BBB recommends only working with heating and cooling services that have insurance. That way, if anything is damaged, it will be their insurance company paying for the repairs.

How did you choose your heating and cooling service? Share your tips for other homeowners in the comment section below. Get more here: www.vittheating.com