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LG/tips.pr Contact: Sue Rogan 301-217-7391
CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFERS TIPS ON
CHOOSING A HEATING CONTRACTOR
AND SAVING ENERGY DOLLARS For Immediate Release: October 16, 1996
With temperatures dropping, many consumers are thinking about
either replacing their furnace or heat pump or having their home
heating systems checked to ensure trouble-free performance this
winter.
The Division of Consumer Affairs of the Montgomery County
Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the National Capital
Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America are sponsoring
a free seminar on October 24 on checking a quality heating,
ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) contractor.
The seminar will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Rockville. To register and
get directions, call 217-7373.
The Division of Consumer Affairs offers the following tips on
choosing an HVACR contractor to save both energy and energy dollars
during the cold weather months:
FIVE TIPS FOR CHOOSING A QUALITY HVACR CONTRACTOR
1. Check to see that the contractor is licensed. All HVACR
contractors that operate in Maryland are required to have a HVACR
license issued by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and
Regulation. Don't just take their work - ask to see a copy of the
license. Virginia and the District of Columbia also require HVACR
contractors to be licensed.
2. Check the HVACR contractor's complaint record. Call your local
consumer office or the Better Business Bureau. In Montgomery County,
call 217-7373 to check on a contractor's complaint record.
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TIPS 2-2-2-2
3. Ask for references. Former customers are an excellent source of
information. Call these individuals and ask if they were pleased with
the contractor's work. Make sure the references are recent customers
so that you get current information on the contractor's business
practices.
4. Get a written cost estimate and ask for a breakdown between labor
and equipment. If the cost is more than $200, it is a good idea to get
more than one estimate. Today, there are two methods of charging for
repair or replacement of home heating systems: time and materials
pricing, in which you are charged for the equipment and the actual
time it takes to perform the repair; or flat rate pricing, in which
the contractor gives you a price in advance that includes the
equipment and a prefigured amount for labor. If the contractor is
charging you by the flat rate method, you need to ask additional
questions, such as what flat rate manual is the contractor using (his
own or an industry-wide manual), what is his hourly rate, and how many
hours of labor are in the flat rate price.
5. Compare warranties and service contracts. The terms and coverage
of warranties and service contracts can vary greatly. Compare them
carefully. Are parts and labor included, or only parts? Which parts
are covered and for how long? Is the warranty or service contract
transferrable, in case you sell your home? Service contracts usually
provide for a fall and/or spring check-up of your heating and air
conditioning system for a cost of between $50 to $200 per year. Find
out if any repairs or parts are also covered by the service contract.
The cheapest service contract is not always the best buy.
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TIPS 3-3-3-3
FIVE TIPS ON THING YOU CAN DO TO SAVE ENERGY AND
ENERGY DOLLARS THIS WINTER
1. Change your filter once a month. A clean filter allows your unit
to run more efficiently and causes less wear and tear on the
equipment. If you don't know how to change your filter, ask your HVACR
contractor to show you.
2. Keep your outdoor unit clear of debris, leaves, shrubbery, and
snow to allow for a free flow of air through the unit.
3. Make sure your home is properly insulated. This is the single most
important step in conserving energy. You can install most insulation
yourself and the energy savings will more than pay for the cost of the
insulation material over time. If you don't know how to install
insulation, check for information at your local Montgomery County
Library, or call the Division of Consumer Affairs for advice.
4. Keep your fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in
use. Consider installing glass fireplace doors to further reduce heat
loss. Use kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans sparingly. In just one
hour, these fans can blow away a houseful of warm air.
5. If you have an attached garage, keep your garage door closed. This
will prevent cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door and
other areas between the house and garage.
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