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Are you considering
replacing your heating and
cooling equipment or getting
it serviced?
Ten Time-Proven Tips For
Selecting A Dealer
1.
Check credentials. Before
making your selection, call
the Better Business Bureau
to make sure the dealer is
reputable. Also, find out if
the dealer is a member of a
local or national
association such as the Air
Conditioning Contractors
Association of America.
2.
Make sure the dealer is
affiliated with a nationally
known manufacturer. Dealers
should be taking advantage
of factory training offered
by their manufacturer. As a
result, when they make
recommendations, you can be
more assured that they've
selected the right size
system for your home, and
that they've been trained in
installation and service.
3.
Ask for references. Former
customers are an excellent
source of information. Also,
ask to see installation
photos. A dealer that is
proud of their work will be
more than happy to show it
to you.
4.
Expect an on-site evaluation
of your home. A good dealer
will take a thorough look at
your home, ask questions and
evaluate your overall
comfort needs before making
a recommendation. Beware of
a dealer that simply takes
information over the phone.
A good dealer will also look
the part. While he's
evaluating your home, you
should be evaluating him.
Not only should he dress
professionally, but his
truck and printed materials
should look professional as
well.
5.
Check local licenses.
Depending on where you live,
dealers may have to comply
with certain local or state
regulations, so ask to see
proof of these licenses as
well as insurance forms for
liability and workmen's
compensation.
6.
Don't be afraid to ask
questions. Ask for details
about the firm's experience
and the expertise of its
staff. This is particularly
important if you're also
adding or changing ductwork
in this case, experience
is definitely a factor in
getting the job done
correctly.
7.
Get a written proposal. To
make a fair comparison, make
sure the proposals you
receive are all based on the
same efficiency and
equipment. You'll also want
to evaluate each dealer's
personal business standards
and policies. For example,
will he remove old
equipment? Will he relocate
equipment if you want your
new system installed in a
different location? What are
his clean up and care
policies during
installation? How will he
handle emergency repair?
These are just a few of the
additional elements a good
proposal will include.
8.
Inquire about equipment and
labor warranties. Limited
warranties vary according to
the manufacturer, so make
sure you fully understand
what you're getting. Also,
don't forget to inquire
about manufacturer's
extended warranties at the
time of purchase and other
warranties provided by the
dealer.
9.
Ask about preventive
maintenance service
contracts. Many dealers
offer service contracts that
call for periodic
maintenance of equipment,
and if needed repairs. The
fee for such contracts is
usually well worth it in
terms of obtaining optimum
efficiency and performance
for your system.
10.
Finally insist on a written
contract. Commit your
agreement to writing and
have the dealer sign it.
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