Besides hiring an HVAC technician for maintenance, you may need to occasionally hire one to make repairs too. Before you make the call, check to make sure it’s not something that can be fixed with a little do-it-yourself work. It would not only be a little embarrassing, but a waste of your hard-earned money if you discovered the reason your AC wasn’t turning on was because you had it set to heat, not cool.
Just like with any service work you get done, you want to hire someone who knows what they are doing—more specifically, knows your HVAC model and how it works. This Old House recommends looking for a company that “designs, installs and services the type of system you have.” They say that full-service companies tend to be the most up to date on the latest advances in the field and can help you also decide if it’s better to repair or upgrade.
Don’t base your HVAC hire on who has the best deal in this week’s penny saver—ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors to find the best company.
Once you make the hire, don’t be afraid to ask questions about your HVAC system. A pro should be happy to help you learn more about maintenance needs, areas of concern, suggestions for maximizing energy efficiency and comfort, and show you some DIY tips to help keep your system running optimally between service appointments.