Look for the ENERGY STAR Logo When Purchasing New Cooling Equipment

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner this summer, one way to guarantee strong performance and sustained savings is to insist on equipment that bears the ENERGY STAR logo. The ENERGY STAR program is mandated by the federal government, and gives consumers a quick and easy way to identify appliances that help them save both money and energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR logo, a product must offer all the performance features expected by consumers, along with enhanced energy efficiency. Certified appliances must be at least 10 percent more efficient than dictated by government requirements, and they must use non-proprietary technologies available through multiple manufacturers to ensure consumers have choice.

While qualified products typically cost slightly more than their conventional counterparts, consumers must be able to recoup the difference in price through energy savings. The extra up-front investment in ENERGY STAR-rated home heating and cooling equipment is worth it, since you stand to save significantly over the life of your new equipment in the form of sustained savings on your utility bills. It’s always a wise idea to invest a little extra in a product which will dramatically reduce your household energy consumption.

All products bearing the ENERGY STAR logo have been independently tested to verify performance claims and capabilities. You can find the ENERGY STAR symbol on a complete range of HVAC products and equipment, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and water heaters. To maximize the efficiency benefits, be sure to have your new equipment installed by a reliable contractor. This ensures it will perform at peak efficiency, giving your energy and cost savings an added boost.

At Main Street Heating & Cooling, we are pleased to offer our customers a comprehensive range of ENERGY STAR-certified heating and cooling equipment. We’re committed to protecting the environment while helping our customers save money on their home comfort needs, so if the time has come for you to upgrade your HVAC equipment, we’re happy to help you choose an energy-efficient product to meet your needs. To learn more about our ENERGY STAR-rated heating and cooling equipment, contact our team today!

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.