If a flashlight or a toaster breaks, you replace it. But it never occurs to many people that the same holds true for the most expensive equipment in your home: your heating and air conditioning systems.
“Those items are only going to be efficient for so long,” says Owner Kenneth Morando, owner of Innovative Mechanic, Inc.
If you have an older furnace or air conditioning system, that’s more true than ever. The last decade has seen a surge in environmental awareness among consumers. The heating and air conditioning industry has followed suit, creating new products built on Green technologies that may barely have existed even a few years ago.
“Something made ten years ago is going to be far less efficient than something you buy today,” says Mr. Morando. Therefore, it might make good economic sense to replace an older unit with a newer, high-efficiency one. It will almost certainly make good environmental sense.
When you choose someone to undertake that replacement or preventative maintenance, Morando recommends choosing a company with longevity. Insist they be licensed and insured. And don’t hesitate to ask about their warranty in very specific terms. If your new furnace stops working after a few weeks, they’ll almost certainly agree to repair it at no cost. But what about a few years?
If you question a company’s credibility, look for outside sources of validation: professional associations, watchdog groups, the Better Business Bureau. It’s always a good idea to get a reference, too. In this industry, a reputation is often a company’s most valuable asset. Choose a company with great word of mouth recommendations.
