Before You Invest...(Part 3)

Vol. 9: Issue #4 Letter: #177 (Previous newsletters available in archives on web site)

"Comfort is our specialty...Quality is our method...Satisfying you is our goal".

Before You Invest…(Part 3)

     As we said in Part II of this series, (click here for a full recap) the single most important thing you can do that will insure you of getting the optimum HVAC system…one that provides maximum comfort for the family and at the same time is efficient, safe and economical to operate, is to find a HVAC contractor you can trust!

     But even before you can do that, you must first decide what you are shopping for. If you are shopping for the lowest price…the contractor who will do it the cheapest, our suggestion is to look in the yellow pages of the phone book…select 4 or 5 of the largest, most colorful ads you can find (usually full page ads indicate a relatively new start up…trying to catch up…company) and just call them for bids.

     We probably should add this warning…“that once you start getting bids on your job, it's probably going to be almost impossible to compare apples to apples, as one company’s recommendations may vary sharply from another’s. How can you know which one is right?

     However, if you remember our theme in the first 2 parts of this newsletter series…“that a heating and air conditioning system is the most expensive appliance in your home…so treat it like an investment because the longer the system lasts and the better it runs, the more profitable it becomes”…then a little effort on your part to become familiar with heating and air conditioning system basics…enables you to become a more informed consumer…and reduces your chances of regretting the equipment/service that you end up choosing.

     As a starter, I would suggest that you approach (and shop) in a completely different way. Here are 3 steps to help you find an HVAC company that you will feel comfortable with and trust to do the job right.

	1. Start your research by asking friends, family and neighbors for 1st hand experiences and references. What companies they hired to replace a furnace or air-conditioning system. If they were happy with the installation, ask their contractor to come over and talk to you about heating or cooling your house.

	2. Survey several different companies by phone. Pay close attention to the following:

	•	Is there a live person to answer your call, or a recorder? This may tell you something about their ability to respond quickly when you need service.

	•	What impression did you get from the person answering the phone? I.e., would you rate them as:

			a. Courteous? b. Friendly? c. Helpful?

	•	When you told them of your interest in a new system or major component:

			a. Did the same person answering the phone “change hats” and became the sales person? b. If there was no one available to discuss your request, how long did it take for someone to return your call?

(RED FLAG#1):

	(If it takes more than a day before they even return your call, forget them….if that's the way they treat you when you want to buy something, how will they treat you when you need them to do something for free, like warranty service?).

	•	Did they seem like they were anxious to help you?

	•	Did you like the answers they gave you?

	•	How long it will take before they can come give you an estimate?

	•	Are they setting the appointment at a time that's convenient for them, or convenient for you?

	•	How long will it be before the equipment could be installed?

	(RED FLAG#2):

	(Again, if they can't respond quickly to a sale, how will they respond when it's time for service? If they really appreciate the opportunity you're giving them, they'll bend over backwards to accommodate you. If they act like they're doing you a favor, don't expect much from them down the road).

	3. I strongly suggest that you visit their place of business.

	•	Ask if you can come by and look around. What better way is there to see what kind of organization they have? You know anybody can sound great over the phone.

	•	Is there a physical building, clearly marked, or a table with a phone number at Starbucks?

	•	What if you get to their office and it looks like a pigsty? If they treat their own place like this, how will they treat yours?

	•	How are you received? Do you want to deal with a bunch of disinterested or uncaring people every time you have a problem?

	•	Is the office modernized?

	•	Do they use computers?

	•	Are their vehicles lettered?

	•	Do they use sub contractors?

	•	Are employees uniformed with name tags?

	•	What kind of benefits do they have?

	•	Are they full-time, long-term employees or just part-timers that sit and answer the phone?

	•	What kind of support do they have for their people in the field?

	(RED FLAG#3):

	(If they resent you asking questions or act like they're doing you a favor, don't expect much from them in the future. Repeat to yourself “I’m trying to choose a HVAC company that I can depend on for years…I don't want to have to deal with a bunch of disinterested or uncaring people every time I need service or have a problem”).

All of these "behind the scenes" factors will impact you directly when you choose a company. It's in your best interest to find out as much as you can before you buy. When you shop the "traditional" way, all you have to go by are the salesperson's words, brochures and prices. When you shop this way you can see, touch and get a feel for the company you're choosing - you know what you're getting.

Next time: How To Control A Sales Call.

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For Our Email Newsletter Customer’s Eyes Only:

     Starting now…our special seasonal discounts to have your cooling system prepared for summer begins. Effective dates: now through 05/15/08. By scheduling now you can get the maximum discount available (up to a whopping 40%) and pick the day that is most convenient for you, before the rush begins.

     While the strictly limited special seasonal discounts are in effect (now through 05/15/08), please note that it is on a sliding scale designed especially to encourage early registration (for example, the 40% discount is only available for 33 days).

     Need proof that we offer the area's most comprehensive preventative maintenance service available (40 points!)? Count them yourself! See it in writing, not only the name of each of the 40 points BUT the effect each point has on the performance of your system (and why you should not settle for less) by going to our website. Click here. We believe we are safe in saying, that no other local contractor can match that list!

     Order NOW! Save a whopping 40%! (plus an additional $5 for scheduling online). On line reservations can be made by clicking here. Reservations can also be made by phone. Call: HOT-COLD (468-2653).

     The cost of the "check-up/tune-up" is a small price to pay for superior equipment performance that result in lower energy bills and extended life performance. Remember, THE MAJOR CAUSE OF EQUIPMENT FAILURE IS INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE.

Do it now and save, save, save….Now, and all summer long!

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Climatically

Merry Sherman
2nd Generation President
Phone #: 757-468-5800
Fax #: 757-468-5805
email: comfort@climatemakers.com
Web site: http://www.climatemakers.com
"Your family's indoor comfort is our family's business"


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