For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 7, 2002
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 (DCA) offers the following tips on choosing a contractor and on 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) 230-6270. 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.
2. Check the HVACR contractor’s complaint record. Check DCA’s complaint records on their website hca.emontgomery.org/consumer or by calling them at 240-777-3636. Check the Better Business Bureau’s records on their website www.dc.bbb.org or by calling them at 202- 393-8000.
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 what flat rate manual is the contractor using (his own or an industry-wide manual), which is his hourly rate, and how many hours of labor are in the flat rate price.
5. Check with the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services at 240-777-6210 to see if a permit is needed for the type of work being done.
6. Compare warranties and service contract. 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 service contract transferable, 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 ranging 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 advise.
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.
6. Make sure your windows are shut and locked. A window that is shut but not locked may not be making the seal that is needed to keep warm air in and cold air out.
The Division of Consumer Affairs is the County’s consumer protection agency, and investigates thousands of complaints each year involving automotive sales and repairs, new home purchases, home improvements, credit issues, retail sales, internet services and most other consumer transactions. DCA provides pre-purchase information to consumers, as well as speakers to the community on consumer issues. For more information and advice, call 240-777-3636 or visit DCA’s website at .
Release ID: 02-437