“Price and cost are two different things,” explains Nicholas Donzelli, owner of Green Air Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. “Price is upfront and cost is long-term.” It’s important to not consider price alone, because if an estimate isn’t based on an integrated system that’s designed to meet your needs over time—or if a low price is quoted just to make a sale—it could cost you more in the long run.
Mr. Donzelli says the appearance of a company’s workers is also important. “Look at their posture and consider how they dress. Did they give you a business card upfront? Did they ask you where you’d prefer them to park? Will they be careful with your floors? Are they concerned about your pets? These are all things to look for.”
Mr. Donzelli says it’s a good idea to always get three quotes for a home energy project. Don’t settle for quotes over the phone; ask each company to send a representative to your home for a thorough inspection to determine what’s best for you and your family. Nobody can accurately tell you what your needs are over the phone. “You’re telling one person the information you heard from somebody else,” says Mr. Donzelli. A good HVAC and/or solar company won’t rely on someone else’s opinion and will insist on coming to your home to talk to you, listen to your ideas and help you determine what will work best in your particular case.
Many companies—especially those in the solar industry—will focus primarily on a potential customer’s energy bill. They’ll sometimes quote a price on a solar system to take care of the bills when there are other, less-expensive steps that should be considered first. Mr. Donzelli says a company should determine a household’s needs and try to lower current energy bills without immediately installing a renewable energy system. However, for some people—especially households with a pattern of high energy use—solar can be a long-term money saver.
