4 Common Home Improvement Misconceptions

If The Better Business Bureau Doesn’t Have Any Complaints Against The Contractor, He Must Be Qualified.

This is a common and often costly misconception. In fact, just because a contractor doesn’t have any complaints with the BBB, does not mean you’re working with someone who is a reputable professional. You need to investigate the company further. Many contractors, though they have no BBB complaints, do not do a satisfactory job (much less, a superior job). To ensure you’re dealing with a reputable professional, use the BBB as a starting place, not the only place.

Also keep in mind, the BBB is not a government agency and it does not keep a record on every contractor in town. There are several very reputable contractors the BBB has no record of at all. To truly gain perspective on a contractor’s credibility, research beyond the BBB.

Going With The Lowest Price Saves You Money.

NO, not necessarily! Everyone tends to look for the lowest price. On a low estimate, you must ask yourself what is being left out or what shortcut is being taken. Let me explain…

One roofer had his re-roof job $300 cheaper than anyone else. The homeowner wanted to save money and accepted his proposal. After the job was completed, the old shingles and nails were still lying around the yard and the homeowner was upset. The contractor told them that he had not figured the clean-up in his proposal and that was why he could do the job so much cheaper than anyone else could.  When comparing quotes for a new air conditioning system for you home, make sure they are comparable in equipment brand, size, features, accessories, and warranties.

One of the most common signs of trouble ahead is someone offering to do work for much less money than others. Like anything else, you can’t get something for nothing. Be careful of choosing your contractor based upon the lowest price.

Doing It Yourself Saves Money.

Sometimes the “weekend warrior” can undertake small projects like painting, hanging wallpaper, routine repairs, etc. But beware of undertaking larger, more complicated projects. What starts out as an attempt to save money can turn into a costly mess. All too often, the job is botched and it costs more to have a reputable professional come in and fix what’s been done. According to an article in the Baltimore Sun, less than 20% of these do-it-yourself jobs work out - mostly due to lack of experience on the part of the homeowner. If you want to be assured your project will turn out the way you want it, call an experienced, reputable professional.

If A Person Claims To Have Many Years Of Experience, They Must Do Quality Work.

I can’t tell you how many people receive bad workmanship from contractors who’ve claimed to be in business or the trade for twenty years. Take experience claims with a grain of salt. Just because a contractor claims to have twenty years experience, does not mean you’ll get what you want. He could have done a poor job for twenty years. Remember that technology is always improving and when it comes to air conditioning and heating equipment, ongoing education about new equipment concepts and energy saving technology is key.  Investigate further to ensure you’re dealing with a qualified professional that is dedicated to continuing education in their field of expertise.

Air Conditioning Repair at Kennedy Space Center

We recently had the opportunity to visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to perform a repair on one of the air conditioning systems.  It was an awesome experience to see the facility and the shuttle launch pad.  Check out the pictures:

How to Avoid 90% of All System Failures

Five year olds love it, plants can’t live without it, and you’re breathing it in every day. Not just breathing it in—you’re paying to inhale the largest cause of your home’s dust and allergy problems.

You’re probably thinking that’s an exaggeration. But the simple truth is that you are paying to run your heating and cooling system, more and more as the weather heats up. And since dirt is the number one cause of system failure—90% of all failures, in fact—chances are good that dirt is keeping your system from running at peak efficiency. Before you invest in a family set of gas masks or prepare for a nomadic existence in the Sahara (hey, at least then you won’t be paying for the dirt), you might want to give your heating and cooling professional a call. “Your system works hard,” says Noah of Star Quality Air Conditioning. “It’s constantly circulating and cooling the air that keeps your family comfortable. Like anything else that works, it gets dirty and has to be cleaned.”

There are a few questions to ask yourself before having your system cleaned:

• How long has it been since your HVAC system was cleaned?
• Are there pets in the home? Do any family members experience burning in the eyes, nose, or throat while in the home?
• Does your climate have high humidity?
• Do any family members show symptoms of mild to severe allergies?

Noah told us “System failures caused by dirt, as well as expensive repairs, can be avoided with a little preventative maintenance. Most people don’t realize how much money they can save by making sure their system runs efficiently.” Learning the precautions is part of Star Quality Air Conditioning’s effort to educate the public during “Appreciate Your Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Professional Week”.  Star Quality Air Conditioning wants to show homeowners certain neglected maintenance items that can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs or system replacements.

You can get your ventilation system inspected, plus receive other energy saving tips for free by calling Star Quality Air Conditioning at 772-299-9818 or visit our service plans.

Florida’s Premier Blog on Home Comfort

Welcome to the Florida Home Comfort Resource Center. This page has been created to keep a continued log of articles, tips and information about your home comfort system.

If you are looking for a Vero Beach heating and air conditioning company or our Comfort Protection Plan, please call us today at 772.299.9818 or complete our online service request form.