Heating and Air - Comfort Necessities We Can't Live Without

How comfortable are you when the winter winds howl, and the summer sun beats down upon your rooftop? Maybe these two comforts aren't that important in your life, but they sure are to others.

There are many reputable heating and air businesses who offer qualified services - a service we've come to expect. But how do you choose the best one that's a good match for your home's needs and one that ensures your peace of mind? Here are a few tips to do just that.

- Don't hire someone who gives you an estimate over the phone without actually seeing the work involved.
- If your proposed service contractor asks for an advance of a large amount of money to purchase materials, say, "Adios, amigo," and call someone else.
- If the business can't provide their address and phone number so they can be reached, look elsewhere for your installation service.

These are obvious red flags, but there are other helpful guidelines that enable you, as homeowner, to keep in mind to make sure you receive the best value when searching for a quality heating and air service.

Guidelines for choosing the right contractor

- Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations, check out your local yellow pages or newspaper ads. Be sure to ask if they have a warranty on their work and/or a money back guarantee. Also, if they are licensed, bonded and insured because accidents do happen on the job. These three items are not only to protect the contractor's employees, but you and your home as well.

- Have the contractor come to your home or business in order to give you an intelligent and informed estimate of the work that is to be done. This is the only way an estimate is of any value. And get it in writing with their signature on it. This will help avoid hidden costs down the road. And, it's not a bad idea to get more than one estimate from two different companies. This is done all the time in order to receive the best value for your buck.

- The all-important contract is the final agreement between you and your heating and air contractor regarding the work that will be done and the price you will have to pay for it. It's a legal and binding piece of paper. It protects both you and the company who will do the work. Make sure you understand it before you put your John Hancock on it. Note that it has the name and address of the contractor on it as well for identification and that it states exactly what the payment methods and work will be which they will perform for you. Be sure they sign it as well.

Hiring the right heating and air contractor that will complete the work you need done is not rocket science. You just need to do a little homework and be prepared so you won't be shocked.