Buying a new heating and cooling system

Friday, 07 May 2010 11:14

Helpful hints on buying a new heating & cooling system from a dealer.

I have found through experience, more people buy a product based on the relationship established shortly after contact with the dealer, than for the product itself.

Here are a few points that I see as important before a deal is struck with our customers.

  1. How long have you been in business? This is one of the most asked questions. A proven track record and presence in the community is a good indicator of past and future performance.
  2. How can I get in contact with you? In our business there are many people with phone numbers in the phone book, but in reality they are cell phone numbers and are call forwarded to another phone. If a business does not have a proper commercial address, showroom and regular hours, then they are probably running out of a garage. Saving a little bit of money up front is not worth the hassle of being stranded when you can't contact these people anymore! Cell phones & telephone numbers can be discontinued easily. A store with a larger showroom and staff are proving they have a solid reputation and will be there to help you!
  3. Ask for references if it makes you feel better! You have to be satisfied that the company contracted will respect your home, not soil the carpets, damage your property. leave stains on your pavement etc. References of nearby houses, friends or family are as good as your going to get. Word of mouth goodwill is more valuable to a company than a lot of paid advertising.
  4. Get 3 quotations at the most! No more than 3 quotations are needed on a new system for your home. If you pick well established dealers, then there will be less than a 10% difference assuming they sell the same brand. When you continually get quotes from different companies it can get confusing and a decision may be made not based on the best judgment. If you don't like the prices then maybe a drop to a lower end model might be what you need to do!
  5. Ask for proof of licensing! I have only been asked for this once in the last 10 years. Perhaps, it is because of our track record, but never the less the company must be registered as TSSA contractor and must employ Gas Technicians or higher to perform the work. Unlicensed companies should be reported as they could be a threat to your safety! Ask for proof of competency. Its the law to provide the proof!
  6. Pick a name brand that has high consumer awareness! Beware of many brands imported into Canada, usually from the United States. The distributor has to move large numbers to keep in business and stocking large inventories of parts costs them money. Does saving $200 really matter when in the long rim, performance and availability of parts may be compromised. Stick with companies with a high degree of brand recognition. These companies have proven themselves, and have a solid dealer network!
  7. What warranty does the dealer offer? Five years on parts is standard in our industry. Higher end models may offer 10 years warranty but remember, when you deal with a young company, the only way sometimes to get customers is through price and the lure of a long warranty. Common sense dictates that there is a price to be paid for such claims. If a dealer offers a 10 year parts and service warranty unless, it is backed tip by the manufacturer in writing, you're not getting peace of mind, you just think you are! Remember how easy it is to change phone numbers to get rid of customers with problems.