Save With YOUR Utility
Before you get started on your electrification project, make sure you find a contractor you can count on to do dependable work. Start by getting referrals from your utility or trusted family and friends. It may also help to ask any potential contractor the following questions:
State licensing is the minimum requirement to operate an HVAC company. Licensing protects the public, including you. Unlicensed companies are unaccountable to regulators and often unavailable if things go wrong. Ask for a license number – it’s the first step to knowing you are dealing with a reputable company.
NATE is the North American Technician Excellence program. It is the heating and air conditioning industry’s certification body for technical knowledge. NATE-certified technicians are the best trained and highest quality service and installation providers in the industry.
Most companies will be insured, but not all are. Ask about Worker’s Compensation and Liability Insurance. Using an insured contractor will not only protect your investment, it will also protect you against liability issues. Don’t take a risk – ask about insurance.
You want to be sure your contractor has a long history of reputable service. Strong contractors will have references at the ready.
It’s important for a contractor to properly size your heating and cooling equipment to the requirements of your home. This ensures that the equipment will perform properly under all conditions. It’s especially important for air-source and ground-source heat pumps to be properly sized as they will switch to an alternative backup fuel under extremely cold conditions. Operating on the usually less-efficient backup fuel starts to erode the cost savings and energy efficiency gains that are obtained by using a high efficiency air-source or ground-source heat pump. However, if the unit is properly sized for these conditions, the backup fuel source will be used less frequently. It is also important to consider the sizing of the ductwork. Ask your contractor about special sizing needed for ground-source heat pumps, which usually require larger ductwork because the delivery temperatures are lower than those of more conventional HVAC equipment. Inadequate ductwork will cause fans to work harder than necessary, waste energy and potentially not deliver the volume of air needed for a comfortable environment.
Quality contractors should be up to date on the latest energy-saving equipment options, including ENERGY STAR®. Sometimes these options have a higher initial cost, but will save you money in the long run. Go with a contractor who will discuss all options and is not focused solely on price. Check with your electric utility for possible rebates to help you move to a higher efficiency system.
Your contractor should be well versed in the best ways to pay for your new system. Your utility can offer guidance on the rebates and incentives it offers, but there may be additional opportunities of which you can take advantage.
Before the technician leaves, make sure they show you any regular maintenance required, such as changing filters or operating the thermostat. Replace or clean your filters once a month depending on the type. Have your system checked and serviced twice a year to ensure maximum efficiency and get ahead of any potential malfunctions, especially prior to major temperature changes in summer or winter.
You want to be sure your plumber/electrician has a long history of reputable service. Quality contractors will have references at the ready.
Your contractor can help you determine what size water heater you will want to most efficiently fulfill the comfort needs of a family your size, or the needs of your business. Your lifestyle may also come into play – such as how you wash your clothes or how warm you like your showers.
Most units come with at least a five-year warranty, but certain brands may offer a lifetime warranty. Some manufacturers also offer warranty extensions for an additional cost. You’ll also want to see if your contractor/plumber offers a warranty on their work.
Your contractor should be well versed in the best ways to pay for your new water heater. Your utility can offer guidance on the rebates and incentives it offers, but there may be additional opportunities of which you can take advantage.
Ask your plumber if they offer an annual tune-up and inspection to make sure your water heater is working the most efficiently. The plumber will typically examine elements of the water heater including the filters, valve, burner assembly and power supply. If your tank has a high amount of sediment build up, your plumber will be able to flush the tank.
You want to be sure your electrician has a long history of reputable service. Strong electricians and contractors will have references at the ready.
Your contractor should examine the current wiring setup of your home and garage to see if the charger can be installed without extensive additional wiring. However, the ease of where you plug in is also a factor, so you will want to make the decision that’s best for your situation.
Your electrician should take a moment to examine your electrical panel and note what your current electrical load it. You may need to upgrade your service dependent on what kind of charger you are installing and what the typical electrical load of your home is.
Your contractor should be well versed in the best ways to pay for your new system. Your utility can offer guidance on the rebates and incentives it offers, but there may be additional opportunities of which you can take advantage.