Consumer Affairs Offers Tips On Choosing A Heating Contractor And Saving Energy Dollars

db:enrgy.pr 97- 346 Contact: Sue Rogan, 301-217-7391

CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFERS TIPS ON
CHOOSING A HEATING CONTRACTOR
AND SAVING ENERGY DOLLARS For Immediate Release: November 12, 1997

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. Montgomery County's Division of Consumer Affairs offers the
following tips for choosing a contractor and for saving both energy and dollars during the
cold weather months.

Five Tips for Choosing a Qualified Heating-Ventilation-Air Conditioning and
Reinspection (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, (410) 333-6590. Don't just take their word -- ask to
see a copy of the license. Virginia and the District of Columbia also require HVACR
contractors to be licensed.
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2. Check the HVACR contractor's complaint record. Call your local consumer office
or the Better Business Bureau, (202) 393-8000. In Montgomery County, call (301) 217-7373
to check on a contractor's complaint record.
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 which 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 contractors. 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
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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.
Five tips to save energy and 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 doors closed. This will prevent
cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door and other areas between the house and
garage.
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