| Purchasing a new heating, cooling or air quality | | | | heating or cooling costs will be (energy efficiency |
| system for your home is one of the most | | | | is determined by the SEER ratings - be sure the |
| important buying decisions you and your family will | | | | Sales Consultant fully explains what these |
| make. Before committing to such a large | | | | numbers mean). Choosing the right product for |
| investment, it's important to do your research | | | | your lifestyle will allow you to live comfortably and |
| and ask some serious questions so you can avoid | | | | save money. |
| making the following mistakes: | | | | 5. Ignoring the Fine Print in the Warranty |
| 1. Choosing an Unqualified or Unlicensed Contractor | | | | It is important to fully understand the warranty |
| Picking the right contractor could be the most | | | | that is being provided by each contractor. You |
| important part of the furnace or air conditioner | | | | should always inquire if the warranty covers parts |
| buying process - yet most people don't ask | | | | only or both parts and labour. Also ask if there |
| enough questions to make sure the contractor is | | | | any extra charges above and beyond the |
| properly qualified and experienced for the | | | | warranty coverage, such as an after-hours |
| installation. Always ask if they are members of | | | | service labour charge. Always ensure that the |
| the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the | | | | contractor provides you with a written warranty |
| Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute | | | | form for your records. |
| of Canada (HRAI). | | | | 6. Forgetting to Ask About Insurance and WSIB |
| Membership in HRAI, which represents over 1,000 | | | | Coverage |
| contractors nationwide, shows that the contractor | | | | The contractor you deal with should always have |
| is qualified and reputable, as they must have the | | | | public liability and property damage insurance. If |
| following credentials: | | | | sub-contractors are utilized, the contractor should |
| * All required trade licenses and provincial | | | | also have the proper liability insurance. If the |
| certifications | | | | contractor isn't insured, you could be held fully |
| * Liability insurance up to $5,000,000 | | | | responsible for any damages to the equipment or |
| * Technical Safety and Standards (TSSA) | | | | your home during the installation process as well |
| registration | | | | as any medical costs if an installer is hurt on the |
| * Compliance with Workplace Safety and | | | | job. |
| Insurance Board (WSIB) | | | | Always make sure the contractor is in good |
| * Compliance with Dispute Resolution Process | | | | standing with the Workplace Safety and |
| * Compliance with Ontario Environmental | | | | Insurance Board. For large jobs, you may want to |
| Regulations | | | | request a copy of their latest WSIB certificate. |
| BBB members are part of a nationwide | | | | 7. Making Too Big of a Deposit |
| organization dedicated to upholding the highest | | | | Holmes Heating Inc. does not request a deposit, |
| level of integrity and ethics in customer service, | | | | unless the equipment is unique and subject to |
| communications, advertising and dispute resolution. | | | | re-stocking charges in the event of an order |
| 2. Getting Only One Estimate | | | | cancellation. If a deposit is required, it should never |
| When you're shopping for a new gas furnace or | | | | be more than 20% of the total job and all |
| central air conditioner, you should always get | | | | payments should be made directly to the |
| more than one estimate. Ensure that each | | | | company named in the contract. |
| estimate is written on a proper form and always | | | | 8. Not Asking for References |
| take the time to review and compare the quality | | | | Reputable contractors will be more than willing to |
| of the equipment and warranties offered. Does | | | | provide you with the names and addresses of |
| the estimate include the removal of old equipment | | | | customers they have done work for. Ask |
| and materials? Are permits included in the | | | | neighbours, family, friends and co-workers their |
| estimate? | | | | opinion of any contractor they've used in the past. |
| Be sure to pay attention to the Sales Consultant | | | | 9. Believing Your System Will Never Break Down |
| to see how knowledgeable and professional they | | | | In case something goes wrong with your system, |
| are. How long have they been in the business? Did | | | | it's always a good idea to make sure that the |
| they explain all of the rebates that are available | | | | company you choose has after-sales service |
| for your system? Your experience with the Sales | | | | capability. Inquire if they have a full service |
| Consultant could be a good indicator as to what | | | | department and ask how many service vehicles |
| type of service to expect from that contractor | | | | they have on the road. Do they respond to calls |
| later on. | | | | after 11 p.m. or on weekends? How quickly can |
| 3. Always Going for the Lowest Price | | | | they be there if you have no heat? Holmes |
| You should always select a contractor that | | | | Heating Inc. guarantees a 4-hour emergency |
| promotes the quality of their installation service | | | | no-heat response time to keep you warm in case |
| and equipment at reasonable rates, rather than | | | | your furnace quits in the middle of winter. |
| just picking the one that offers the lowest price. | | | | 10. Lack of Proper Training or Instruction |
| The lowest price does not necessarily mean the | | | | Most contractors have a habit of installing the |
| best value. For example, the less expensive | | | | furnace or air conditioner and then leaving without |
| contractor might not offer valuable services such | | | | explaining how to properly operate or maintain the |
| as 24-hour emergency response or maintenance | | | | system. This leaves you, the homeowner, with |
| and service agreements after the installation. | | | | the task of trying to figure out exactly how to |
| 4. Thinking Price is the Only Factor | | | | reset electronic thermostats and replace furnace |
| The purchase price should not be the only | | | | filters (which can become quite costly if not done |
| important factor in your decision. The noise level | | | | properly). Holmes Heating Inc. provides all of its |
| of your new system is something you will have | | | | customers with a free training DVD, which |
| to live with everyday, while the energy efficiency | | | | outlines these procedures, step-by-step, in a |
| of the system will determine how much your | | | | friendly and courteous manner. |