Ferrell's Heating and Air-iContent

Identifying honest Heating and Air Contractors

If you are building a new home, adding on to an existing one, or simply upgrading to more efficient Heating and air conditioning system (HVAC), there are some things you need to consider when selecting your heating and air contractor. You are getting ready to spend thousands of dollars so you need to educate yourself. The first thing you need to realize is your HVAC system is the most expensive appliance in your home yet few homeowners know what brand they have, nor the size of their system, and in many cases where it is even located. This leaves most homeowners at a severe disadvantage from the start. This is the main reason you must be very careful with whom you decide to do business.

Here are some general warning signs that may identify a dishonest HVAC Contractor:

The HVAC Contractor only accepts cash
The HVAC Contractor demands full payment for the proposed work in advance
The HVAC Contractor does not provide a written contract including SEER Ratings for each piece of equipment, model numbers, brand names or warranty information before starting the work
The HVAC Contractor uses high pressure sales demanding you make your decision while they are there
The HVAC Contractor is not listed in your local phonebook, has no website, or on-line information
The HVAC Contractor can not answer technical questions about the HVAC sytem they are selling you
The HVAC Contractor offers unbelievable guarantees on energy savings
The HVAC Contractor offers incredibly long warranties on their product

NOW, here are some questions to arm yourself with and discuss with your contractor before agreeing to any purchases with their company:

Do you have a state HVAC license? If they do, get their number and verify it here: https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification/ If they do not, tell them to leave, regardless of how low their price is. You will be paying again to get it re-done or fixed. Additionally, it is against State and Federal laws and physically dangerous to you, your home, and the installer for an unlicensed person to install or repair HVAC systems.
Ask them if they personally have a State HVAC license or if it is their owner that is licensed. Many licensed HVAC companies use commissioned "salesmen" to sell their systems who do not personally have a state license in heating and air conditioning. Quite simply, they are salesmen. Some are knowledgeable, many are not. Ferrell's Heating and Air has licensed individuals who have passed state tests, can correctly size and match the equipment to your home or office. Just because you had a 2-Ton Air Conditioner before does not mean it is the correct size now. Many salespersons simply quote the same size HVAC system as the existing equipment. There are many factors to consider when sizing equipment. Also, we will not upsell unnecessary items to make a higher commission. WHY: We do not make commissions.
How long has your company been in business? If it has only been a few months to less than 5 years: Buyer beware. Ferrell's Heating and Air has been in business uninterrupted since 1980 and has never been bought, sold, closed, bankrupted, or re-named. We are still locally/family owned and operated.
Ask for references of customers having purchased similar equipment. It may take them a day or two, but they should be able to provide you with a reference or two.
Find out if they sub-contract their work to other people. Some HVAC contractors will sub-contract their work to someone else. The work is generally inferior and less professional. Many sub-contractors are not insured. What this means to you is if they get hurt or damage something, your homeowners policy will have to pay: meaning your rates can go up. One other consideration, if the HVAC Contractor does not pay their sub-contractor, you may find a lien on your home or get dragged through court to pay the sub-contractor.
Ask if the equipment is a "matching system." What this means to you is: do all the brands of equipment match as well as the SEER rating. If you have a fifteen year old coil and they are adding a brand new SEER 13 Air Conditioner, the SEER rating will NOT match and your manufacturer warranty can be VOIDED on your new Air Conditioner. If it does not match it will not work properly regardless of what they say. Get it in writing. While replacing a coil and an air conditioner at the same time is expensive on the front-end, it will save you energy costs and the possible cost to replace a compressor due to mis-matched equipment.
Make sure they are insured. They should be able to provide their insurance agents name and number and/or provide you the policies showing property damage coverage, general liability, and worker's compensation. Ferrell's Heating and Air is fully insured.
Ask if they are a member of the Better Business Bureau. You can call the BBB, but it is a lot quicker to click here: http://www.columbus-ga.bbb.org/search.html
Find out if they offer third-party financing. Most established HVAC Contractors in good standing will offer financing options through a third- party financing company. If they do not, be cautious, there is usually a reason they do not. Ferrell's Heating and Air offers third-party financing and at times offers 90 Days and 12 months same as cash promotions. Just ask us.
Ask if they use Fiberglass Ductboard. If they use ductboard, tell them you do not want it. Ferrell's Heating and Air never uses ductboard in ANY part of your ductwork. Ductboard comes with a warning label telling users to wear respirators when installing or handling it and wear protective clothing and eye wear. Ductboard can constantly shed fiberglass particulates into your home that you will breathe and eat. It can be a serious Indoor Air Quality problem. Click on this link for more information: http://www.aerias.org/DesktopModules/ArticleDetail.aspx?articleId=38&spaceid=1&subid=4 It can harbor mold, dust, dust mites and other nasties. It is easily crushed or damaged and is a common source for leaky ductwork. It is one way an HVAC Contractor can cut their labor and material costs because it is CHEAP. A word of caution, many new and existing homes already have ductboard in them. We recommend replacing it immediately.

After you get your prices review the equipment offered and the prices quoted. Be sure to have the contractor explain major price differences. The cheapest or most expensive is not always the best. Even if you have questions about another HVAC Contractor's quote you can call Charlie Ferrell or Ben Stahl at (706) 327-2829 and we will be more than happy to explain it to you or answer any questions, with no obligation on your part.