Earlier this year, we initiated a 6 part series of newsletters entitled “Before You Invest…(click here to review) in which we tried to emphasize that because the HVAC system in your home is (1) probably the most expensive system in your house and (2) consumes over 50% the energy used in your house and (3) contributes so much to you being able to enjoy everything else in your house, that the importance of selecting a “HVAC contractor that you can trust”, takes precedence over everything else with any issue relating to your HVAC system.

     Too many people think that comparing “apples with apples” only refers to the price, when in truth they confuse the “apple” with the “stem”. The apple (fruit) is what you are supposed to be getting…the stem is the price you pay for it. Competitive proposals should include more than just the stem (price).

     A savvy home owner takes a close look at the way the company came up with their proposal.

	•	Did they spend time with you to understand your needs?
	•	Did they analyze your home for exact heating and cooling requirements?
	•	Did they offer you choices and help you to understand the pro's and con's of each choice?
	•	Did they offer written guarantees removing you from any risk?
	•	Are they tied to a single brand of supplier?
	•	Do they work with the local utility companies to take care of any rebates or other incentives for which you may be eligible?
	•	Have they been in business long enough to prove they will likely stay in business as long as you need them?
	•	Do they take out all required permits and order all necessary inspections? Are they fully insured?
	•	Are the men that will be working in your home drug free?

     As you can easily see, comparing "apples to apples" is more than just comparing prices …don't confuse the apple with the stem.

     Now, let’s assume that you’ve made this major investment in the future health, comfort and operating cost for your family, it’s not too soon to consider how to protect this investment and as you might expect, we have some definite ideas about that too.

     A good way to begin is to compare your heating and cooling (HVAC) system to your automobile. From the least expensive car to the most expensive vehicle, all manufacturers require periodic care and maintenance if performance and warranties are to be realized.

     Just like automotive tune-ups, keeping your HVAC “tuned-up” is a critical necessity for optimum performance…to preserve its value…to say nothing about your peace of mind…and that requires preventative maintenance.

     “Preventative Maintenance”. Doesn’t sound very exciting does it? Yet, preserving the value of your HVAC system through regularly scheduled maintenance will save you hundreds of dollars in operating costs each year…save you thousands of dollars by extending the life of your system thereby avoiding premature replacement.

     Like everything else (people included), HVAC systems get older every year – and with age, comes system inefficiencies and failures…dirty filters…loss of refrigerant…just normal wear and tear can cause anything from reduced air flow to condensate leaks and drains that clog.

     At Climatemakers, we believe that HVAC maintenance nightmares are for other home owners, not Climatemakers Maintenance Agreement customers. This is where our comprehensive maintenance programs can prove to be so valuable. More details of the benefits and details of how to become a member in our next newsletter.

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     And finally, please remember, if you have any questions about the HVAC system in your house; how we can be of better service to you, or about our web site, please email them to me. I'd like to hear from you...and if you’d like to hear from your government on this subject of energy, here’s a website I found last year that you might find of interest www.energyhog.org.