Fall is the ideal time of year to have your furnace serviced
\n– before the busy winter season starts. All too often, however, unsuspecting homeowners are duped into buying a new home furnace or authorizing expensive, but unneeded, repairs to their existing heating system by contractors who use scare tactics.<\/p>\n
The Better Business Bureau reports that while most furnace companies are reputable, competent and fair; others may falsely tell you that your furnace needs to be repaired or replaced when in reality it does not. These con artists may try to frighten you with warnings that your system is leaking dangerous gases that could explode or poison those inside the house.<\/p>\n
The most important first step is to not panic. Before you authorize any work, get a second opinion from another reputable firm. Do not hesitate to contact your\u00a0 utility company and ask for a serviceman to come and inspect your system. If you think you may be in physical danger, leave your home until the system is fully checked out.<\/p>\n
Be sure to check the warranty on your system to see whether any repairs or replacements are covered. Remember that many heating systems come with long-term warranties.<\/p>\n
If you are told that your furnace needs to be replaced because it is too small, think back to the last time it failed to properly heat your house. When purchasing a furnace, you should choose a unit large enough to handle the demands of your household. Do not waste money on a furnace that is larger than you need.<\/p>\n
Once you decide that work needs to be done on your present system or you need a new system, be certain to hire a contractor with a good reputation for dependable, reasonably priced work. Ask friends, neighbors and colleagues for recommendations, and check out any company being considered with the Better Business Bureau.<\/p>\n
Get at least two estimates for the work. All bids should be in writing and should provide a full description of the services to be provided and the
\nmaterials to be used. Compare more that just cost. Check the size and rated efficiency of the equipment each contractor recommends. Ask each contractor how they arrived at recommending a particular sized system. Check the warranty offered and make certain you understand it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Fall is the ideal time of year to have your furnace serviced – before the busy winter season starts. All too often, however, unsuspecting homeowners are duped into buying a new home furnace or authorizing expensive, but unneeded, repairs to their existing heating system by contractors who use scare tactics. The Better Business Bureau reports that while most furnace companies are reputable, competent and fair; others may falsely tell you that your furnace needs to be repaired or replaced when in reality it does not. These con artists may try to frighten you with warnings that your system is leaking dangerous gases that could explode or poison those inside the house. The most important first step is to not panic. Before you authorize any work,…<\/p>\n