From residential to commercial and industrial settings, heating & air conditioning systems have become integral to our day-to-day lives. As a result, the role of professional heating and air conditioning services is more important than ever before. HVAC companies not only offer installation, but also critical maintenance and repairs.
The number of Australian HVAC operators has significantly increased in recent years. As a result, it can be difficult to know where to start, or what aspects of their service stand out from the competition. When armed with the right information, you can discuss your needs with the company and determine which provider is likely to achieve the best outcome.
With this in mind, let’s dive into 7 questions you can ask your local heating & air conditioning services.
1. What HVAC Style Would You Recommend?
There are a wide variety of heating & air conditioning services alternatives on the market. Common styles now include everything from split systems to reverse cycle, ducted, evaporative and hydronic. As a result, it can be difficult to narrow down your selection. Investing in the wrong HVAC system may also have major financial implications, including high energy bills and cost blowouts.
If you need a little guidance, there is always value in consulting a local HVAC service. Experienced heating & air conditioning professionals can assess your circumstances and recommend the most suitable option. For example, a split system will be best suited to a studio apartment, while a ducted system is typically more appropriate for a large home with many residents.
Before consulting the HVAC company for advice, make sure that you are well aware of your budget. This is another crucial factor that frames your final decision.
2. Do You Offer Installation in My Area?
Once you have settled on the perfect heating & air conditioning style, the natural next step is installation. For larger and more complex systems, installation is generally completed within a few days to a week. On the other hand, split systems can be fitted out in as little as 1 to 2 days.
As with any trade, it is important that the HVAC company hired operates in your local area. Nothing is worse than waiting around all day for a tradie to arrive. Locality, therefore, will help to reduce the time and costs associated with installation. In addition, proximity also makes for more timely and efficient maintenance in the future.
These days, finding a local installation service is as simple as a Google search. All you need to do is search for heating & air conditioning services and your suburb. This should yield a variety of HVAC companies to choose from.
3. I Am Looking to Lower My Energy Bills – Can You Help to Find an Energy Efficient System?
Inflation and the cost of living continue to rise across Australia. As a result, both home and business owners should take advantage of any opportunity to lower bills and increase efficiency. This is also of particular importance in the wake of growing weather extremes and climate conditions that reinforce the need for effective HVAC systems.
Luckily, your local heating & air conditioning company will be able to recommend units and systems that operate in an efficient manner. Not only will the new system be able to improve on performance, but it can also significantly reduce power bills. Whether you opt for a ducted, split or reverse cycle system, newer models are manufactured with a strong focus on energy efficiency.
4. Are You Experienced with Leading Brands?
Whether you are hiring an HVAC company for installation, maintenance, or repairs, check their level of experience with leading industry brands. For example, technicians that are proficient with Daikin split systems should be able to both identify and resolve issues with ease.
In some cases, the heating & air conditioning company will list their brand partners online. If you already own a system, this also saves time and results in more efficient maintenance/repairs.
5. Should I Schedule Preventative Maintenance?
While this will depend on how often the system/unit is used, preventative maintenance is an excellent way to keep your heating & air conditioning in check. In fact, this approach is favoured by many companies who specialise in heating & air conditioning services.
Regular maintenance (even once a year) is a simple process that pays dividends over the long term. Remember, replacing an entire ducted system can be seriously expensive. Via this approach, HVAC professionals will assess, detect and rectify any existing issues before they get out of hand. Early detection also gives the technicians the best chance to deliver a cost-effective solution.
It is also advised that you do not attempt to fix the system yourself. This is particularly important in regard to any parts in vents, ceilings, or beneath the floor.
6. I Already Own an Air Conditioner – Do I Need to Replace or Upgrade It?
When determining the viability of an existing HVAC system, there are various factors that need to be taken under consideration. A good heating & air conditioning technician should be able to assess age, efficiency, suitability, and condition. Once this assessment is complete, recommendations may be given to determine whether you are best served to replace the system entirely, or simply invest in general maintenance services.
Before you arrange a professional inspection, look out for warning signs such as strange noises, odours, leaks and temperature issues. Remember – getting your existing system checked out early can save you from serious repair costs and/or property damage.
7. How Do Your Prices Compare to Competitors?
Financial implications underpin any service, and heating & air conditioning is no different. The best HVAC companies offer free quotes to ensure that all costs are made clear from the outset. This will help you avoid the unexpected burden of hidden fees and extras.
Costs may also include access to government rebates and discounts. If this information is not listed on the company’s website, make sure to double check whether you are eligible before the service begins.
