Repairing HVAC
When it comes to the comfort of your home or office, nothing comes close to your heating and cooling system (i.e. HVAC). Your HVAC system works hard, keeping you comfortable all year round. Warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. It does such a good job that we rarely ever even think about it….that is until it goes out on a 100-degree midsummer day or when it’s below-freezing in winter.
Modern heating and cooling systems are complex, and HVAC repair is no simple matter in most cases. With complex ductwork and digital control stations, HVAC repair is not a DIY type of project and is best left to the pros.
A good HVAC repair contractor will play a crucial role in maintaining your home’s level of comfort, safety, and air quality that comes with maintaining a properly functioning heating and cooling system.
Maintenance
Without proper maintenance, even top-of-the-line heating and cooling systems can have issues, forcing you to look into HVAC repair as a means to get things running smoothly again. But with proper maintenance, HVAC repairs can be few and far between. Having an HVAC tech inspect your system once a year is a great way to reduce repair costs and boost the lifetime use of your systems.
Here are a few routine Maintenance Tasks to Consider:
- Check and replacement of belts
- Check and replace dirty or worn filters
- Oil and lubricate moving parts
- Inspect wires for fraying and connections
- And depending on your setup: clean the flue, clean burners, change out fuel filters, vacuum out the unit, check refrigerant pressure, etc
The above are steps that you could speak with your HVAC repairman about, and they should not be attempted by homeowners not certified to work on HVAC units.
Who to Hire for HVAC Repair and Maintenance
HVAC systems are complex, and as such, you must hire a service provider that is well-trained and certified to deal with troubleshooting and safety hazards such as natural gas, oil, electricity, and toxic coolants.
Many states now require contractors to undergo a minimum of 2-5 years of on-the-job training before working with HVAC systems, as well as obtaining specific certifications. Before hiring a contractor, ask about licensing, certifications, experience, liability insurance, and bonding.
Questions to Ask before making an HVAC Repair Decision
Before making a hiring decision you’ll want to conduct a sort of interview to find the best candidate for the job. You’ll also be looking for someone or a company that is dependable and has locations close by with emergency services in the event of an outage during extreme weather conditions such as a blizzard.
- Reference and Reviews. Look online for reviews about them, and ask around on social media if anyone has had experience with them in your neighborhood. Further, ask them directly for references from previous customers and call a few to get real feedback.
- Insurance, Licensing, and Bonding. Many states and municipalities require minimums in education, certifications, insurance, and bonding. Look up requirements in your area and then validate that your candidate meets them.
- Estimates. Due to the high cost of repairs and replacements, you’ll want to get multiple HVAC repair estimates. Remember, while cost is an important factor, you don’t want to go cheap here. Find a technician or company that you connect with and can trust to do the job right for your family.
- Brands. Find out what brands each contractor or company works with and has available. Unlike other industries, HVAC repair companies tend to only carry and/or use a small line of products from specific manufacturers.
About Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC
Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. For more than 40 years, we have proudly provided our Bergen County, NJ customers with the best service, extraordinary reliability, and affordable pricing. Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC technicians use only the highest quality products, and we back every job with an unconditional satisfaction guarantee.
Michael Muccia is a Master Plumber and the owner and operator of Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC. Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC is a full-service Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) service company based in and serving Bergen County, NJ since 1978. The Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC team of trained and certified service technicians offers a variety of services including general plumbing and heating maintenance, for both residential and commercial clients.
