Picking a heating / cooling / fireplace dealer

Welcome to the Comfort Zone! This week's discussion focuses on what to look for when picking a heating / cooling / fireplace dealer.

1. The dealer must have a track record. Ask for references and call some to check the quality of the work done.
2. Buying a well known brand name can avoid heartaches afterwards. Well known brands will have technical assistance as well as parts readily available. Saving $200 up front is not worth it when the part takes 7 days to get!
3. The dealer must leave a good impression in your mind. This is a trust relationship that lows that the have honesty and integrity. If that person leaves you feeling with doubt may be best to pass on the company.
4. Get 3 quotations at the most. Too many quotations will cause confusion and possibly result in nothing getting accomplished. Everybody's time is valuable. By spending I hour with each dealer you will form an impression of the best dealer for you. Price is not the most important consideration. Look at tire work involved, the quality of the materials that are going to he used. Most quotes should he within 10% of one another. More variance than this indicates different trains of thought about getting the job done, maybe a short cut that won't help you. Any extras negotiated in the job should he clearly detailed in jobbing contract to avoid confusion. It is too risky to rely on oral agreements. Write it down and avoid problems.
5. Ensure your contractor carries a minimum of $1,000,000 in insurance to protect himself and yourself should any damages occur. The part timer who works for someone else will usually have no insurance. How are you going to he compensated if he has nothing of value to compensate you with should damages occur? Make sure the installers have all appropriate licences. This shall ensure that a minimum standard of workmanship will he done as described by installation codes.
6. The preparation that a dealer does before work starts will he an indicator of how well organized that company is. A rough-in sheet showing where ducting / piping is going, chalking where gas piping runs on outside, and detail job briefing with you, the customer, will result in a well done job. No surprises for you and no headaches for the dealer. As an example: if you are becoming a new natural gas customer your dealer should explain where the gas meter is going and how the gas piping shall be run. Without this detail you may end up with an unsightly looking run of piping in which you may be disappointed. Attention to details is important!
7. Affiliation with associations and utilities can be a good indication that the dealer has a higher standard of quality than minimum and also signifies that he has been around for a considerable period of time. Some industry affiliations include CEEA / COHA / HRAI.
8. After the job is completed, be reasonable with the dealer. If there are minor adjustments or changes to he made, a good dealer will usually accommodate you to ensure full satisfaction. Do not withhold large sums of money unless there seems to he major problems unsolved. Most dealers operate on 30 day terms and this will ensure in the future that you will get the fastest possible service if you have been fair and reasonable with the dealer when installing the equipment.