Time for a House Call

Choose carefully when your cooling system is sick

If you needed an operation, you wouldn't let just any old doctor do the job. You'd check their credentials first.

Following the same strategy when your cooling system is sick or needs replacing is just as smart.

"Replacing a cooling system may be one of the most expensive repairs you'll have to make to your home," says WEMC Member Services Representative Linda Brock. "It makes sense to take a little time and select the best contractor for the job."

The best contractor isn't always the one with the cheapest bid. A few bucks saved now may end up costing more in the long run, especially if the contractor isn't around to correct any problems after he installs your system.

Brock offers several guidelines in your search for a good air conditioning doctor:

• References and second opinions. "If the contractor you're interviewing is hesitant about giving references, watch out," says Brock. The same goes for second opinions. "For example, if he says your furnace's heat exchanger is cracked and gets defensive when you mention getting a second opinion, it may be best to move on."

  Also call your community's Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to see if they have any complaint registered against the contractor you're considering.

• Training. Is the company's service and installation personnel trained by the equipment manufacturer or an accredited technical school? Ask also about continuing education courses heating and air contractors are required to attend.

• Insurance. The contractor you do business with should have both liability insurance (to protect your property against damage) and workers' compensation insurance (to protect you if one of their employees is injured while on your property).

• Licenses. In Georgia, heating and air contractors must have a state license. They should also buy the appropriate business licenses for the jurisdictions they operate in.

• Professional Organizations. Does the contractor care enough about his industry to join a professional group? RSES and ACCA are just a couple of these organizations.

• Service what they sell. Does the contractor also provide service or do they just install the system and then leave you to find someone to repair it if it breaks down? If they don't want to return for service calls, move on to someone else.

• Engineering. Good contractors will perform calculations on your individual home to determine both the equipment size and layout of the duct system needed. "Be wary of contractors who use 'rules of thumb' or just fly by the seat of their pants," says Brock.

• Thorough. When you're shopping, does the contractor take the time to explain equipment differences and provide options on buying higher efficiency units? This should continue after the sale by the contractor providing a complete explanation of the unit's operation, a detailed receipt of the equipment installed and work performed and a written warranty.