Owning a home is the dream for most people. You work extremely hard for years and finally save up enough to get the property of your dreams. Both the exterior and interior are beautiful, but a few things still need to be done.
As a homeowner, one of your priorities will be your HVAC system. When temperatures fluctuate, you’ll use it to manage your home’s comfort level. However, wear and tear can affect your system’s efficiency. At that point, you’ll need to hire a residential HVAC contractor to diagnose any issues. We’ll break down their importance, services, how to choose one, and information on the various jobs they may perform during a callout.
Why Is It Important to Hire a Reliable HVAC Contractor?
Whenever you face that first issue with your HVAC system, your instinct is to see if you can fix the problem yourself. You can do it independently if it’s a minor issue, like changing a filter. On the other hand, severe problems like a clogged condensate drain line or faulty igniter will need professional expertise.
Any contractor can fix HVAC issues, right? Unfortunately, not correctly vetting candidates can cause more harm to your system and lead to more costly repairs. You could be faced with higher energy bills, and furthermore, shotty work can put your family at risk, which no one wants to experience.
So how do you find the best contractor for the job? Here are a few things you can do:
- Ask for their credentials: All residential HVAC contractors should have updated licensing and insurance to perform jobs. Each state has licensing requirements that must be met. Ask for these documents before accepting any quotes. If they don’t have anything, stay away.
- Review their reputation: How have past customers rated this HVAC business? Do they praise the work that’s been done? Or complain about poor customer service? Check what clients have said before choosing a service.
- Assess pricing: As you’re vetting companies, price is often the most critical factor. The issue with pricing is that some offers might seem too good to be true. Research the cost of specific HVAC jobs to see the average. For example, repairs should be different from a replacement. A good contractor will be transparent about pricing and point you in the right direction.
What Happens During Service Calls?
After finding an ideal HVAC technician, next is preparing for the service call. Most times, preparation involves clearing out any obstructions around your HVAC system. However, depending on your issue, there may be other things a contractor may ask you to do beforehand.
Once the contractor arrives, they’ll assess the area and prepare the workspace. HVAC installations look a lot different than maintenance or repairs. When installing a new system, a contractor will:
- Turn off power to the HVAC unit, preventing hazardous conditions.
- Then they’ll handle and remove the refrigerant along with the old system.
- Next, they’ll begin installing the new unit.
That’s a brief overview of what will happen during an installation. Usually, a contractor will measure the space to ensure the correct unit gets installed. Incorrect fitting will cause issues with your system. A worker will also check your ductwork to make sure it’s clean and has no leaks. After the installation, the contractor will review an HVAC checklist to confirm that all work was done correctly.
HVAC Maintenance and Repairs
It’s essential to do preventative HVAC maintenance before seasons like winter and summer. Doing so helps your system remain functional throughout the months when your demands are higher. Although your system has two active components, maintenance is different in some aspects.
When performing a heating check, contractors will:
- Look at the filter to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced
- Inspect the heater’s exterior and ventilation areas for signs of wear and tear
- Check the interior components, such as the blower, motor, and pressure switches, for damage or built-up dirt
- Check and recalibrate the thermostat if necessary
- Test for carbon monoxide leaks
On the flip side, cooling checks often require contractors to:
- Examine the internal and external units for any damages
- Check circuits, drain lines, and condensate pumps
- Inspect electrical components and replace them where necessary
- Replace filters
Doing preventative maintenance is essential to your system’s well-being. It will help extend your system’s lifespan and keep your home’s comfort at optimum levels. Furthermore, it’ll reduce your energy bills and help you save more money. During a maintenance check, an HVAC contractor will let you know if a component needs to be replaced. You may have to shell out a few extra bucks, but it’s better than dealing with a more severe issue in the future.
What are the Most Common HVAC Problems?
It’s perfectly normal for HVAC system’s to develop issues over time. Sometimes it’s self-inflicted, while others can be from external factors. We’ll outline a few HVAC problems and different ways to combat them when they arise:
Dirty Filters
Dirty air filters are one of the most common issues homeowners face with their HVAC systems. Filters are essential for keeping indoor air quality clean by collecting pollutants and other airborne debris. But when you don’t clean them for lengthy periods, it affects air quality and your system’s efficiency.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a professional to clean or replace an air filter. You can vacuum off the dust and spray it lightly with a hose to make it look new. If it’s too dirty, find a replacement for your new unit.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Sometimes HVAC issues have nothing to do directly with the unit but with external factors. One of those components is the thermostat, which controls the temperature settings. It’s tricky because it could make you think your entire unit needs replacement.
However, read your owner’s manual to see what should be done if your thermostat malfunctions. It might need a new battery or a complete replacement. If you’re still having issues, contact an HVAC contractor.
Dirty Coils
When you don’t regularly maintain your HVAC system, it can’t perform as needed. As a result, system parts may become clogged with excess dirt and debris. The evaporator and condenser coils are essential for your unit’s heating and cooling needs. But when they’re blocked, your system has to work hard to meet demands.
Clean the coils with a soft bristle brush to prevent clogs. Or you can hire an HVAC contractor to do the job instead.
How Motili Helps You Get the Best HVAC Contractor
Finding the right contractor for your HVAC needs can be a daunting experience. There’s a lot of information you need to consider, making it challenging to decide. What if we told you that Motili could ease your burden?
Motili has an HVAC contractor app that helps identify the best candidate for the job. Instead of worrying about sourcing quotes, the contractor will come prepared with all information you need. The app’s interface provides detailed briefs about what workers need for the job. Once they accept, they’ll turn up and complete the task with no questions asked.
So you’ll no longer need to worry. All you need to do is contact Motili and find out how to get the best contractor.
