9 Tips on Assessing HVAC Technicians Before You Hire

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Here are some other helpful tips on how to find the best HVAC technicians for your home. The HVAC system in your home is one of the most important elements, as it can either make or break your indoor comfort. If you are looking for a reputable HVAC technician to install, repair, or upgrade your home’s heating and cooling system, then this article is for you. Technicians that specialize in HVAC services are trained and experienced in installing, maintaining, and repairing all types of heating and air conditioning systems in residential properties. These pros should have a working knowledge of different ventilation systems and be able to assess the needs of the property before developing recommendations for necessary upgrades. To begin your search for an HVAC technician, you’ll want to ask friends or neighbors for recommendations. You should also look for reliable contractors online by searching sites like HomeAdvisor or Angie’s List.

9 Guidelines for Evaluating HVAC Technicians Before Hiring

Assess the state of your current system

Before you engage in any long-term contracts or hire a company with HVAC technicians to do regular maintenance, you need to understand the current condition of your system. If you are experiencing issues like frequent repairs or a high energy bill, it is likely that your current system is no longer efficient. This is a good indication that you need a new system installed. In order to get a better idea of what your system needs, you can get a home assessment from a professional HVAC technician. This assessment will help you determine the best system for your home and make recommendations for improvements. If you are considering a replacement system, the HVAC technician can help you decide on the best type of system that will meet your needs and energy efficiency goals.

Ask around

When looking for HVAC technicians, you want to hire a reputable company that has years of experience in the industry. This will help minimize the risk of encountering the wrong contractor who may overcharge or provide shoddy work. You can start by getting recommendations from friends and family members. You can also conduct an online search of local contractors to see what others have to say about their experiences with the company. You can also find contractors by asking your utility company. Many utility companies will offer a service that connects you with a contractor who can help you determine your energy efficiency, produce a report and provide recommendations for improvements. While this service is typically free, you should be wary of selecting a contractor who is paid by the company. This can lead to bias during the report and recommendation process.

Trust your instincts

If you are not feeling comfortable with the HVAC technicians you are interviewing, you should look for someone else. Hiring and working with a contractor should be a comfortable, stress-free experience. If a contractor seems too pushy or uncomfortable to speak with, you may want to find another contractor. When interviewing a contractor, you should ask basic questions to determine if they are the right fit for your home. For example, you can ask them what they think is causing the issue with your system, what options you have to resolve the issue and how much the repairs will cost. You should also ask for a breakdown of the costs, as well as a breakdown of how they arrived at those figures.

Ask to see the contract first

Before you sign a contract with HVAC technicians, you should review the terms and conditions first. You should ensure that the contract includes information about cancellation policies, warranty terms and any special stipulations regarding the service provided. You should also look for any red flags like a lack of cancellation policies, no detailed descriptions of work performed, and unclear pricing breakdowns. After you have read over the contract, ask the contractor to explain any parts you don’t understand. If they seem hesitant or unable to explain the contract to your satisfaction, you may need to look for another contractor.

Ask to see the maintenance or repair plan first

Before hiring HVAC technicians to perform routine maintenance, you should ask to see the maintenance or repair plan first. As a homeowner, you should expect the contractor to perform regular maintenance, inspect the system for any issues and provide you with an annual report. You should also expect contractors to be upfront about what they plan to do, how much the maintenance will cost, and how often they plan to visit your home. If the contractor only suggests that they will come by your home “whenever necessary,” you should look for someone else. You should expect a maintenance plan that includes one or more visits per year, during which the contractor will perform regular maintenance, inspect the system for any issues and provide you with an annual report.

HVAC technicians’ qualifications and certifications

Before hiring HVAC technicians to perform repairs or installations, you should know their qualifications and certifications. Most states require HVAC technicians to have at least a high school diploma, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and an EPA Universal Certification before they can start working. However, you should also look for technicians who are certified by the Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning Contractors (HVAC) or an equivalent state organization. These certifications indicate that the technician has passed an exam that tests their knowledge of heating and cooling systems.

Ask for references

Once you have selected a contractor, you should ask for references from past customers. You should also ask how long they have been in business and what their cancellation policy is. If the contractor is hesitant to provide references or has a cancellation policy that is unreasonable, you should look for someone else.

Check out the company/contractor’s track record

Before hiring HVAC technicians, you should check out their track record. You can start by reading online reviews and testimonials from past customers. You can also check if they are certified or registered with your state. In addition to customer satisfaction surveys, you should also check to see if the contractor is registered with the BBB. This will indicate that they have passed the BBB’s standards for contractor conduct.

Don’t forget the final step: Inspections and Maintenance

After you have selected a contractor, hired them to perform repairs, regular maintenance, or installations, and signed a contract, you should ask them to perform a final inspection before they leave. This will help you determine whether the contractor has resolved your issue or what they have done. You should also ask the contractor when they plan on coming back to inspect your system and provide you with an annual report. You can use this information to create a home maintenance checklist that will help you stay on top of your indoor comfort.

Trust Palo Alto Plumbing

Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is a company that is proud to serve our California customers and provide top HVAC technician services. We understand that all customers have different concerns, so we will be there to make sure your home is comfortable. Our team of professional HVAC technicians will quickly arrive to help with troubleshooting that solves all of your problems. Please call us today!

How Often Should I Do HVAC Maintenance? Tips for Homeowners

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HVAC maintenance is an important task for any homeowner.  HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It’s a term that encompasses both an air conditioner and a furnace, which are essential in any home. In fact, the HVAC system is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your home. So you need to keep it working for maximum efficiency. Regularly servicing your HVAC system will ensure that your air conditioner, furnace, and water heater are in good shape. It will also ensure that they continue to work when you need them most. Here are some ways to assure that your HVAC system is well-maintained so you can stay comfortable year-round.

Why You Should Service Your HVAC System Regularly

Below are some reasons why you should service your HVAC system regularly.

  •         Regular servicing helps identify any potential problems before they arise. You can address them before they become more severe and costly than they would be otherwise. Replacing your HVAC system is expensive, so regular maintenance is essential to protecting the investment you’ve made.
  •         Preventative maintenance will also help reduce your energy costs. A well-maintained heating and cooling system offers better efficiency and uses less energy than a poorly maintained one.
  •         The best way to enjoy a comfortable indoor living space is with an HVAC system that operates efficiently. The HVAC system provides the optimum temperature for your home. And well-maintained systems are less likely to break down during peak hours so you and your family stay comfortable.
  •         If your HVAC system is frequently serviced, it will last longer. With proper maintenance, the lifespan of your heating and cooling systems can be increased by up to four times. It’s important to have professionals help you maintain these systems because they have knowledge that you might not have. Professionals may also be able to find problems before they become more serious and costly.
  •         Service your HVAC system on a regular basis to ensure that you have the best air quality in your home. A dirty HVAC system can create bacteria, allergens, and other contaminants in your indoor air. By servicing your HVAC system on a regular basis, you can help prevent this from happening. And if you’ve never had your HVAC system serviced before, it could be time to make an appointment!
  •         We shouldn’t forget that HVAC systems have an impact on the environment. A serviced system uses less energy, which means you are using less waste and not impacting the environment as severely.

When and How Often to Schedule a Service Appointment

Depending on your HVAC system, service appointments should be scheduled every 12-18 months. But this time frame can change depending on the type of system you have.

For example, if you have a heat pump, it may need service every 6-12 months. If you have a gas furnace or condensing unit, it may need service every 18-24 months. A fuel oil furnace may need service once a year.

You should also check for signs that the system needs additional maintenance. These signs could include:

* Persistent noise coming from your HVAC system

* Frequent frosty windows in cold weather

* Unexpected fluctuations in temperature throughout your home

* A damp carpet or musty smell

If these issues persist after cleaning the filters and checking for clogs, book an appointment with a professional ASAP.

Other Important Factors in HVAC System Maintenance

The cost for HVAC repair and maintenance varies depending on the conditions and age of your system. Maintenance will also depend on the number of people living in your home. How often you use your heating and cooling equipment is also a factor

Older HVAC systems require more maintenance than newer ones because they use more energy. Older systems may also need to be replaced if they start making strange noises, shaking, or leaking.

Tips for HVAC Maintenance

  1.         Have a professional come out at least twice per year for an inspection of your air conditioner, furnace, and water heater.
  2.         Schedule an annual tune-up if you notice any problems with your air conditioner or a furnace.
  3.         If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall, have a professional come out once per year to clear the snow from the unit. This is so it doesn’t overwork itself trying to compensate for lost heat from outside sources like sunlight or wind.

NEED AN HONEST HVAC PROFESSIONAL?

We hope this list of tips to maintain your HVAC system has been helpful. When you think about it, it’s a lot of responsibility to take care of a HVAC system on a regular basis. That’s why we have HVAC services on standby to help you with any repairs or maintenance needs. We know you have enough to worry about, so let us handle your HVAC service needs.

Do you need a professional HVAC companies near me to help with your HVAC system and perform honest, routine maintenance? You can always find help by searching for “HVAC companies near me,” but know that we are right here in Palo Alto and ready to help! HVAC maintenance is essential for many reasons. You could be breathing cleaner air, saving money, and enjoying greater peace of mind with a reputable company like Palo Alto Plumbing.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US TODAY

If you’re from Palo Alto and other nearby areas, choose Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating and Air for HVAC companies near me. We offer a variety of routine and essential services that include 24-hour emergency HVAC calls. For fast, reliable, and honest HVAC repair and maintenance, call us at 650-405-1460 or contact us here. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Summer is Here! Make Sure Your HVAC System is Ready

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Preventive HVAC Maintenance in Your Home

One of the general purposes of having a home is to give you and your family the shelter needed from extreme elements. The protection against wind, rain, and snow are what often comes to mind. However, the protection against excessive temperatures is also important.

A lot of modern households nowadays come equipped with some sort of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. A working HVAC system can be a blessing but can be a bane if it doesn’t work, especially when you need it the most.

This makes it very important to perform preventive maintenance of your HVAC systems. A lot of people simply overlook regular maintenance and make the mistake of running their unit until they break down, which can lead to costly repairs, or replacement.

Learning how to perform minor maintenance on your system will ensure you that equipment stays in good working condition. This not only reduces breakdowns but also prevents expensive repairs. It can be frustrating spending the hot summer days without air-conditioning or spending the bitter cold days of winter without heating equipments while you wait for service technicians to repair your HVAC system.

Professional HVAC maintenance in Palo Alto

There are some aspects of HVAC maintenance that must be handled by licensed technicians such as the refilling of refrigerant. This means that having a duly licensed technician to perform regular checkups on your HVAC system, especially during spring and fall, is much simpler and convenient.

When to call the pros

There are also some things that you need to look out for which can help you determine when you need to call a repair technician.

A good example to look out for would be the sound that your HVAC system makes. Your unit needs to run smoothly without any rattling noise. Another thing you may want to look out for is strange smells coming from your unit. Lastly, one of the surest ways of finding out if something is wrong with your unit is if it is not heating or cooling properly.

If you are able to observe these signs, then you need to contact a service repair person and have it scheduled. Most service repair persons will be able to identify and fix most problems.

The simplest way in ensuring that your HVAC unit runs smoothly is by regularly cleaning it. Make sure it is free from leaves, dust, dirt, and grime. If you want to have a more thorough cleaning, you can have it cleaned by a trained service person.

Choosing the Right System

Choosing the right HVAC system for your home depends on several factors. Consider how large your home is and how hot it typically gets during the summer months. You should also think about where the unit will be installed and, of course, how much money you can afford to spend.

If you still aren’t sure which type of new residential HVAC system in Palo Alto to purchase, it is important to talk to professionals like the technicians at Palo Alto Plumbing Heating & Air. Professionals will be able to help you choose the right system as well as schedule installation and even provide maintenance on a regular schedule.

2015 Water Heater Efficiency Regulation Changes

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The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) was recently approved by the US congress and will usher in a number of new regulations in water heater efficiency. The act which will be administered by the Department of Energy has come to effect already and will have significant impact on how water heaters are used and bought in the US. In case you are not sure how the new act affects you, here are some of the major 2015 water heater regulation changes to keep in mind. Additionally, it is important to note that all heaters produced after 16th April 2015 will have to meet the new standards.

 

Price Increase in Water Heaters

The new regulations are simply trying to inspire better energy efficiency in water heaters. The technology needed and the materials that will be added in the manufacture of water heaters will add to the overall cost which will be transferred to the consumer. So the next time you are out to buy water heaters, chances are you will see a price difference compared to previous ones due to the 2015 regulations.

You May Need Custom Installation

It is becoming evidently clear that in order for water heater manufacturers to confirm to the new regulations, they will have to alter the design of water heaters a little bit. This may not be normal, especially when it comes to installation. In that case, homeowners will need to get custom installation solutions to ensure that the new design is installed safely and correctly.

Large Tanks Will Be Discontinued

If you have a large electric tank, you should know that they are being discontinued. Although it is clear that new products may come to replace the tanks, the alternative is yet to be seen. However, you can deal with this by considering moving to a tank less water heater. Additionally, you can also go for smaller tanks that will still work for you.

The changes in water heater regulations in 2015 are certainly not the last. These changes are basically designed to increase energy efficiency; however, you have to adapt the best way possible. Follow our blog for more information on heating, cooling, and keeping your home energy efficient.