Movember Madness and a Helping Those in Need

November has been an incredible month for the team at Main Street Heating and Cooling. First, we want to say “thank you” to the friends and clients who continually support our work as Utah’s heating, air conditioning, and service leader. We’re deeply grateful. Also, we want to thank the many people who have supported Main Street Movember and have generously donated to our food bank outreach. We also want to send out best thoughts and wishes to #SFBatkid, Miles Scott.

Like millions of people across the country we were touched by Miles, the San Francisco “Bat Kid” and his amazing adventures. Thanks to the Make-a-Wish foundation we watched a city, then a nation, make Miles’ dream of saving Gotham come true. It was a touching, human reminder that we all play small roles in helping each other live better lives. Go get ‘em Miles!

As you can see by the picture, Movember has turned in to Beardvember here at Main Street. It’s not exactly by the Movember rules, but Brent’s wife sort of put her foot down on his handlebar moustache. Plus, we didn’t think that Brent could actually grow a full beard. Turns out we were wrong about the beard but very right about the importance of supporting the Movember Movement. Men from around the world are proudly sharing their “Mo’s” in order to bring funding and awareness to men’s health issues. Main Street Heating and Cooling is equally proud to be involved and support this outstanding moustache movement. Can’t say that Brent’s wife is totally on board yet but there’s always 2014!

Finally, Main Street Heating and Cooling is contributing to a local food bank. Helping people feel comfortable in their homes is what we do as a business. But what if the people living in the homes are going hungry? According to a 2012 study, 15.8% or nearly one in six Utah households suffer from food hardships. The number of Utah families requiring food assistance has increased 269%. Food hardships have a ripple effect ranging from health problems to lost time at work to poor academic performance. This year Main Street Heating and Cooling is supporting the South Valley Food Bank. Please give us a call or send us an email if you’d like to learn how to help us ensure that no family goes hungry this holiday season.

So as we head towards Thanksgiving, everyone here at Main Street Heating and Cooling wishes you, your family, and your loved ones a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Dos and Don’ts of Hiring an HVAC Contractor

For many homeowners, hiring an HVAC contractor is a process fraught with worry and second-guessing. Everyone’s heard horror stories of contractors who did shoddy work, charged exorbitant prices, or employed rude or unskilled technicians. The problem is that every contractor claims to be consumer-friendly, fair, and reputable. How are you to separate the good apples from the bad?

The answer: know what to do and what not to do when hiring an HVAC contractor.

The Dos of Hiring an HVAC Contractor

These approaches should be at the top of your “do” list:

• Ask questions. Find out how long the company has been in business, ask for their licensing and insurance information, and check to see if there are any complaints on file at your local Better Business Bureau office. One or two complaints aren’t much to worry about, but more than that—and you’re probably better off giving your business to someone else. 
• Gather referrals. Ask the contractor for multiple referrals from satisfied past customers. Follow up. Contact the referrals. Ask if they were pleased with the contractor’s work, and whether the company finished on time for the price they quoted. 

The Don’ts of Hiring and HVAC Contractor 

Next, make sure you “don’t” do these things:

• Make an upfront payment. Contractors that require upfront payments tend to be more interested in your money than they are in doing a good job. It’s also difficult to get your money back if you’re not satisfied with the work. 
• Choose a company that uses subcontractors. This is a red flag, as the contractor can later claim they are not responsible for the subcontractor’s work if you’re not happy—and you’ll have little recourse available. 
• Hire someone who won’t give references. There is no legitimate reason that a reputable HVAC contractor would not be able to give you a referral to a satisfied past customer. If the contractor hems and haws, or refuses to give references, don’t hire them. 

At Main Street Heating & Cooling, we provide timely service, friendly and knowledgeable staff, budget-friendly solutions, and the very best products. Our knowledgeable technicians are best-in-class, and we’re pleased to offer a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee with all our work. To schedule service, learn more about our team or inquire about a cooling tune-up before summer is in full gear, contact us. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Salt Lake County and the surrounding area.