10 Red Flags That Are Common From Unreliable HVAC Companies
October 19th, 2021The last thing anyone wants is to be swindled by someone they trust. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs of unreliable HVAC services. HVAC maintenance should provide for your needs, not create more or completely ignore them.
When choosing an HVAC repair service, you should know what you’re getting yourself into and who will be performing the necessary repairs. That’s why we’ve provided a list of ten red flags that are common in unreliable HVAC companies. Familiarizing yourself with these warning signs will help you distinguish who’s here to help and who’s possibly attempting to take advantage of you.
1. No License
The HVAC company you choose must hold the proper licensing for the trade. Licensing binds a company to the regulations legislated by local authorities. In the U.S., anyone can register a company by paying around $100 and filing a single form. Ensuring that your HVAC service is appropriately licensed not only means that the company is legitimate, but also means that the technicians have the proper training to work on gas-powered equipment.
2. No Insurance
HVAC services that aren’t properly insured put you at risk. Non-insured contractors and HVAC companies also indicate a lack of consideration and care for the general safety of the customer. Most importantly, if one of these companies is uninsured, you’ll be responsible for paying out for any injuries or damage to your property.
3. No Work Permit
Obtaining a work permit for HVAC maintenance can only be accomplished by licensed contractors and services. If you’re asked to get the work permit by your HVAC service, then your hired contractor may not be licensed.
4. Lack of References
Even the youngest companies establish themselves by carrying a list of referrals to give potential customers. An HVAC company or contractor that lacks referrals may be a scam. A legitimate company will be able to provide customer references and testimonials and offer guarantees in the case of unsatisfactory work.
5. Bad Reviews
Reviews are an invaluable resource for potential customers of any company. Reviews on the internet will help you decide whether or not to hire an HVAC company. While some companies have no reviews, there is even more incentive to research that company before hiring them. And if you see bad reviews, then buyer beware.
6. One-Person Company
A one-person company may not be able to provide adequate services. Certain types of repairs require more than one licensed technician, so a one-person show likely won’t perform these tasks. In addition, one-person companies can’t guarantee around-the-clock service for their clients, which can put you in a pickle if you ever find yourself in an emergency.
7. No Uniform
Uniforms represent the fact that an HVAC company has invested in a professional appearance. This indicates their dedication to the service and shows that they have legitimate expertise and experience. A contractor or service without a uniform can be a serious red flag.
8. No Website
Online presence is paramount for legitimate businesses that want to indicate that their service is professional. Websites also normally list certifications, license numbers, merits, reviews, and the services offered. Beware of a company without a website.
9. No Social Media
Having a social media presence is very important for any small business. It provides an opportunity to show off your work and helps build your brand and grow your customer base. A lack of a social media presence can be a warning sign that the business may not be legitimate or could even be in financial trouble.
10. Advanced Payment or Cash
If you’re asked to make a hefty down payment or pay for all services before they’re even rendered, then it’s wise to tread carefully. It’s all too easy for illegitimate services to scam you or not feel obligated to do good work. The best HVAC companies will typically offer a free estimate for their services, then let you decide through with the service.
Are You Looking for a Reputable HVAC Service?
Island Comfort shows our certification and licensing information directly on our website. Our expert technicians have years of experience with HVAC maintenance, and our reviews speak for themselves.
Whether you need standard maintenance, repairs, or would like to check out our website, you can count on us to lend you a helping hand! Contact us today!
Attic Insulation: How It Improves the Efficiency of Your HVAC System
October 5th, 2021Homes with attics often experience issues with their HVAC system. Don’t worry—this may not be the result of a damaged or dysfunctional unit. More often than not, insufficient attic insulation is the culprit in the inefficiency of an HVAC system.
Why Isn’t My Insulation Working?
Poor attic insulation makes it more challenging to cool your house to a specified temperature. This often results in the increased wear and tear of your HVAC system, causing critical malfunctions, system failure, and increased electric bills as your unit works overtime to heat your home adequately. Proper insulation will trap indoor air and provide a more comfortable indoor climate.
What Are the Best Types of Insulation?
Choosing the right type of insulation for your home is the first step in improving the efficiency of your HVAC unit. There are four different types of insulation, all of which vary to some degree. Take some time to familiarize yourself with these variants and choose the one that sounds like the best choice for you!
Blown-in Insulation
Blown-in (loose-fill) insulation is easily adjustable to any shape of attic space and its parameters. This form of insulation is a favorite among homeowners and is relatively simple to add to your home. HVAC technicians can blow it into open or inaccessible areas, making it easier to install than other types of insulation.
Rigid Board Insulation
The roof shell, headers, and slabs beneath the ground make for perfect places to install rigid board insulation. This type of insulation does a phenomenal job of slowing the flow of air and humidity, thus keeping your home’s temperature comfortable. HVAC techs must properly install rigid board insulation to ensure maximum coverage.
Batt Insulation
You’ll most likely find batt insulation in homes aged 10 to 50 years. Batt insulation consists of large and puffy insulation sheets that are easy to install in walls and attics. Although this form of insulation is inexpensive and adheres to any homeowner’s budget, it also maintains its efficiency for decades.
Spray Foam Insulation
There are two forms of spray foam: open-cell or closed-cell. Both forms of insulation serve to avoid thermal loss, seal humidity, and serve as an air barrier. This type of insulation is also known to maintain its value for years.
Benefits of Attic Insulation
Not only does proper attic insulation ensure the comfortability of your home, but it also provides many other benefits. These benefits include lower electric bills, better indoor air quality, less wear and tear to your HVAC, and an overall safer home structure.
When air escapes through your attic, your HVAC senses that it isn’t meeting the desired indoor temperature. Your system must then work overtime to keep the temperature constant, resulting in significant increases in energy consumption and higher electric bills.
This escape of air and the resulting overworking of your HVAC can also lead to more wear and tear on your unit that will require repairs from services. Avoid this by insulating your attic and maintaining the warm air you essentially pay your HVAC to produce!
Your air quality also improves with better insulation. Unfiltered air contains dust, dirt particles, dander, pollen, bacteria, and other substances that can be harmful to your health. Avoid this by adequately insulating your attic, thereby preventing the unfiltered circulation of contaminated outdoor air with your filtered indoor air.
Proper insulation will also reduce heat and moisture damage to your home. It avoids and erodes water vapor so that the structural integrity of your home remains uncompromised. This insulation also prevents mold and mildew growth!
Do You Need Professional Assistance?
Whether you require an HVAC service for routine maintenance, repairs for your HVAC system, or a professional to install sufficient attic insulation, Island Comfort has you covered! Our technicians are pros when it comes to the best attic insulation and have years of experience providing homeowners with the insight and services they require to keep their Hawaii home comfortable year-round!
Discover our story and give us a call at (888) 781-0364 after reading up on why we’re recognized as a five-star service!