FAQ

If you are wondering whether you will be charged for a service call or not for a free estimate, there is an easy way to figure it out. Some companies provide a “free” second opinion on service calls. However, one must be cautious to ensure that parts are not recommended and replaced when unnecessary so that the company can recoup their costs for coming to your home. The general rule is that if the service technician must use his tools to diagnose your problem, a fee will be charged. If a company provides a “free” estimate (which usually applies to the replacement of your current system), no actual tools are used. 99% of companies will provide a free installation estimate; if not, move on to the next company!

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Every day, concerned customers inquire as to why service costs appear to be high for such a brief visit. They may not realize that the technician earns the majority of his income during this brief period. Much of his time is spent unproductively, such as driving to and from calls, waiting for parts, or arriving at appointments when no one is present.

The technician’s salary represents only a small portion of the total cost. Training, vehicle maintenance, tools, office overhead, and hidden expenses such as insurance and taxes are also included in the charges. This explains the disparity in rates among businesses; those with higher overhead must charge more.

A good rule of thumb is to compare service call costs from three different companies before making a decision. Quality service necessitates significant investment, and cheaper options are not always preferable. If you find a service company you can trust, it is worthwhile to keep them as your go-to provider.

The filter is an essential but often overlooked component of your heating and cooling system. Filters should be changed on a monthly basis. Dirt buildup reduces filter efficiency, allowing dust and particles to enter the evaporator coil. This can reduce cooling capacity, restrict airflow, increase system run times, raise electricity bills, and produce odors. Ignoring this can result in costly coil cleanings.

To select the appropriate filter, test it with ordinary table salt: if the salt seeps through, discard the filter! A pleated filter is more efficient and can be either discarded or washed. Remember to change or clean your filters every month!