Maryland winters can hit hard and fast when they finally arrive – which can be jarring, especially if your furnace isn’t functioning well. A poorly performing furnace requires the highly skilled attention of a quality furnace repair contractor, and fast!
Matters of physical comfort aside, your house and family could be at risk of harm if mechanical issues in the furnace aren’t addressed properly. But how do you go about choosing an HVAC repair specialist?
Let’s look at the essentials for choosing the best furnace repair contractor.
Proper Accreditation
Homeowners should start with the bare minimum: ensuring contractors have the professional qualifications to work on their furnaces. Furnace repair requires specialized, technical HVAC training to be done properly and safely.
HVAC specialists must undergo training to perform residential and commercial services that meet and exceed industry standards. Trusting professionals without these basic skill sets is a major liability for your furnace and a poor investment of your money.
To get the quality furnace service you need, check that the companies you contact are equipped with the essential certifications and background. You also want to ensure that they’re up to date with all licenses and certifications required by the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR).
A contractor should be able to describe their credentials and produce evidence of their qualifications. If they are hesitant to discuss or produce these materials, look elsewhere! To learn more about the licensing process so you know what questions to ask and answers to look for, visit our blog post on the topic!
Reasonable Rates
Even though HVAC work is highly technical, you shouldn’t have to pay outrageous fees to have your furnace examined or repaired. At the same time though, below-average costs can indicate inexperience or lack of quality in the operation.
Rule of thumb: cost-effective but not cheap is the way to go. Look for flexible pricing plans offered by your contractor. You should be able to pay for exactly what you need and not have to pay an outrageous sum for a minor fix, period.
Service providers like Exxel offer free inspections and consultations that give you a thorough analysis of any issues present and provide solutions. A thorough consultation will help you avoid wasting time and money on ineffective fixes while making the whole process informative and transparent.
Environmentally Friendly
Furnaces can pose environmental risks, but dedicated, caring HVAC professionals strive to protect our environment. Ensure that you hire EPA Certified Technicians who understand how to prevent pollution hazards to nature and your home. EPA-compliant professionals know how to keep you and your family safe from dangerous fumes and potential fires. They can also help you save money by helping you reduce or eliminate excessive energy use. Additionally, the higher quality of environmentally-focused repairs and equipment saves you from more expensive HVAC repairs down the road.
Quality Products
If your furnace requires new parts and equipment, second-hand or cheap materials won’t do. New, up-to-standard products will allow the repairs to hold and prevent further breakdowns or other serious issues. Quality materials will also keep your furnace running for years to come.
Make sure that your contractor guarantees that they only use new products and that they are the appropriate parts for your specific furnace make and model. Along with contractor accreditations, this guarantee is a major source of quality assurance for a furnace.
Good Reputation
Accreditations, skills, and equipment are all important, but a good reputation means the company brings the whole package: technical expertise AND solid customer service. Look for honest, detailed reviews to see how other customers felt about the service provided. Have the heating repair contractors in question proven themselves to be seasoned experts, or have customers found them unprofessional and rude?
When talking with contractors, consider their soft skills too. Are they respectful and able to adequately explain furnace issues while recommending solutions?
Your Own Experience
If you find yourself being pressured or feel as though you’re being overcharged, these are signs you may not be working with the most reputable contractor. Don’t just put up with bad customer service, assuming all HVAC contractors are alike. We assure you that great contractors are out there, so don’t hesitate to look for a new one using the principles we’ve outlined here. Remember, you want to work with HVAC specialists who work for you, not for their sole benefit.
Ready For Fully Qualified, Customer-Focused Furnace Repair Contractor? Contact Exxel Mechanical Services
Are you experiencing furnace problems or concerned about the upcoming winter weather? Uncertain what’s wrong with your furnace? Whether you’re located in Mt. Airy, MD, or within our Central Maryland service area, we’re here to help! We offer free consultations to examine your unit and give you the best options for quality furnace performance. Simply give us a call at (443) 821-1040 to get started!