Annually. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that it’s very important to “have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up central heating systems annually, and repair any leaks promptly.”

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also “urges consumers to have a professional inspection of all fuel-burning appliances to include furnaces and water heaters.”

A clean filter allows good airflow, which is critical to the efficient operation of any HVAC system. A clean, highly efficient air filter will also protect the system from the harmful effects of dirt buildup on the vital components of the air handler or furnace.

A high-quality air filtration system also provides cleaner air in your home and ensures a higher level of comfort for you and your family.

Immediately evacuate yourself and any other persons/pets from the home and call your local gas utility and/or fire department alerting them of the situation.

There are three factors to consider when making this decision:

• The life expectancy of the current system: The first thing to account for is the age of your equipment. When your system breaks down, you may be tempted to choose the immediate, least-expensive route of repairing. However, if your system is getting old, repairs will likely be frequent and it may be more cost-efficient to replace it instead of paying for repairs…and then paying for the replacement.
• Operating cost: As equipment ages, it becomes less and less efficient. Even six-year-old heat pumps and ACs are considered grossly inefficient by today’s energy standards. Repairing your equipment may fix the immediate problem, but it doesn’t address energy efficiency, so that needs to be factored into overall costs. Installing a new heating and cooling system can pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short time.
• Looking at the big picture: Although you may be tempted to only address the broken component, be sure to monitor all components of your system, as they all work together to boost efficiency and reliability. For example, if you replace your furnace with a new model but leave the old thermostat, you’re missing out on the efficiencies of the newer furnace. You can also save on installation costs if you upgrade several components at the same time. 

Buying the wrong-size equipment: The Department of Energy states that a large percentage of people who replace their HVAC systems end up installing the wrong-size equipment. The results include high utility bills, buildup of unhealthy mold in the ductwork, damaged equipment, and uncomfortable living conditions.

This can easily be avoided by getting an accurate load calculation from your contractor. The load calculation is determined by your home’s physical characteristics and accounts for your family’s needs. This, along with a detailed system analysis, will correctly verify the proper size of equipment needed for your home.

Choosing the lowest price: If you get a bid that’s significantly lower than the others, it’s probably too good to be true. More often than not, you get what you pay for. Essentially every contractor is installing the same heating and AC equipment and, in many cases, the only difference is the name on the equipment…not the price of it.

There are also laws that regulate how systems are installed, so when bids are lower, you’re saving on installation costs vs. equipment costs. That begs the questions: Are the technicians qualified? Are they taking shortcuts? Are they leaving anything out?

Installation delays: You shouldn’t have to wait days for a heating and AC estimate or even longer to have your system installed. Many companies hire helpers or high school co-op students to work with mechanics. Because mechanics don’t specialize in installing any particular type of system and they lack support, installations can be delayed.

Using untrustworthy & unqualified contractors: Choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between having a horribly expensive experience and an experience you can’t wait to share with friends and family. Here are some steps to make sure you choose the right contractor for you:

• Research. Doing a little homework on the work to be performed will set you up for success in choosing the right contractor for your job. You don’t need to become a technical expert, but a little research will help you ask the right questions and be able to assess the contractor’s answers and experience.
• Get three or four contractor referrals from people you know and trust. Referrals from the people you know and who have had hands-on experience with the contractor go a lot further than references from people you don’t know. You’re more likely to get honest feedback from people you know.
• After identifying a few prospects, make sure each prospect is local and has a physical address. Then, call the Better Business Bureau to verify the company information.
• Interview contractors. Take time to meet with each contractor and go through your list of questions.

Not getting a written guarantee: Make sure the contractor you choose stands behind the products and services they offer. If they don’t provide a written no-hassle, no-questions-asked warranty, you may not want to use them.

You need to make sure you and your family are protected from any unforeseen breakdowns. Also make sure the guarantee includes a performance guarantee, an investment guarantee, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.