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1. Study
up -
Find out about
license and
insurance
requirements for
contractors in
your state. And
before you call
a contractor,
know the model
of your current
system and its
maintenance
history. Also
make note of any
uncomfortable
rooms. This will
help potential
contractors
better
understand your
heating needs.
2.
Consider
certified
professionals
- Look for a
contractor who
employs
certified
technicians.
3.
Call references
- Ask
contractors for
customer
references and
call them. Ask
about the
contractor's
installation or
service
performance, and
if the job was
completed on
time and within
budget.
4.
Find special
offers
- A heating and
cooling system
is one of the
largest
purchases you'll
make as a
homeowner. Keep
your costs down
by checking
around for
available
rebates on
energy-efficient
ENERGY STAR
qualified
heating and
cooling
equipment.
5.
Look for ENERGY
STAR -
ENERGY STAR
qualified
products meet
strict energy
efficiency
guidelines set
by the U.S.
Environmental
Protection
Agency and offer
significant
long-term energy
savings.
Contractors
should be able
to show you
calculations of
savings for
ENERGY STAR
heating and
cooling
equipment.
6.
Expect a home
evaluation
- The contractor
should spend
significant time
inspecting your
current system
and home to
assess your
needs. A bigger
system isn't
always better; a
contractor
should size the
heating and
cooling system
based on the
size of your
house, level of
insulation, and
windows. A good
contractor will
inspect your
duct system (if
applicable) for
air leaks and
insulation and
measure airflow
to make sure it
meets
manufacturers
specifications.
7.
Get written,
itemized
estimates
- When comparing
contractors'
proposals
(bids), be sure
to compare cost,
energy
efficiency and
warranties. A
lowest price may
not be the best
deal if it's
not the most
efficient
because your
energy costs
will be higher.
8.
Get it in ink
- Sign
a written
proposal with a
contractor
before work gets
started. It'll
protect you by
specifying
project costs,
model numbers,
job schedule and
warranty
information.
9.
Pass it on
- Tell
friends and
family about
ENERGY STAR.
Almost
one-quarter of
households
knowingly
purchased at
least one
qualified
product last
year, and 71% of
those consumers
say they would
recommend ENERGY
STAR to a
friend. Spread
the word, and we
can all make a
big difference.
10.
Get the ENERGY
STAR Guide
- For complete
information on
keeping your
home comfortable
year-round, get
the ENERGY STAR
Guide to Energy
Efficient
Cooling and
Heating call
(1-888-782-7937). |
