Questions You Need to Ask Before You Buy
"The most important steps in selecting a furnace, we think, are to ensure that the unit's specifications fit your needs, that it is bought from a contractor who installs it well, and that it's adequately maintained." -Consumer Reports
You could say that we strongly believe the same. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to get that phone call from a customer I lost to a low quality bidder where they tell me their story of how we were $500 high so they used this other guy and now they have problems, but the other company won't call them back, etc. You know what happens in these scenarios? WE INSTALL NEW EQUIPMENT AGAIN! We literally go back, take out the new equipment that was installed incorrectly and is broken beyond repair and install new equipment again. Need proof? We have references.
Here is a list of questions to ask any heating contractor:
Tell me about your company (number of years in business, number of employees, your training, background, etc.)?
Barron: Who is Barron Heating?
Are your technicians NATE certified?
Barron: YES, this is required to be a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer
Is your company fully licensed and insured?
Barron: Yes
Owners: John Barron – William Pinkey
Contractor Registration #: BARROHA179D7
DUNS#: 06 335 4369
Federal ID#: 91-0894883
UBI# 600 092 564
Workers Compensation#: 33359700
Employment Security #: 365696019
Insurance Agent: The Unity Group
Insurance Carrier: Trinity Universal
General Liability Limit: $1 Million
Umbrella Limit: $4 Million
Can you provide references?
Barron: Oh Yes! Green Team References
Will you provide a written, plain language, detailed specification which details the work to be done and the equipment to be used?
Barron: Yes
Do you use flat rate service pricing?
Barron: Yes
What is your company's service policy? Do you offer 24 hour, seven day a week service? What constitutes emergency service? Do you charge overtime?
Barron: Withing the first year of operation there is unlimited service on equipment installed. We have 12 service technicians offering 24 hour, seven day a week service. Emergency service is any request for service between 5pm and 8am. If you call before 5pm, you will not be charged overtime even if we cannot get to you until 8pm the same night. Again, there is no charge for service within normal business hours during your first year.
What experience, training and qualifications do your workers have in doing heating and cooling work?
Barron: We carry all the highest levels of certification, including NATE, PTCS, EPA, NADCA and First Aid/CPR certifications. 80% of our installers have qualified to the Journeyman level in their craft.
Do I get a Silver Shield Service Agreement with my installation?
Barron: Yes, your first year service on equipment is FREE.
Once installed, will your company inspect the system for proper operation and train me on how to operate the system?
Barron: Yes
What guarantees in writing do you offer? Do you offer a "100% Satisfaction Guarantee"?
Barron: Yes, our "We're not comfortable until you are" 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies to all equipment installed by Barron Heating.
Will you dispose of my existing equipment?
Barron: Yes, in fact, we will recycle as much as possible.
Do you have financing available?
Barron: Yes, 100% Financing
Can I talk to the owner?
Barron: Yes, John Barron can be reached at 800-328-7774
After you meet with the company estimator, ask yourself these questions:
- Did they ask you questions to determine your specific needs? If not, how is it that they came to their recommendations?
- Do you trust the estimator?
- Were your questions/concerns answered in a clear and respectful manner?
- Did the estimator appear knowledgeable about his/her product?
- Were options discussed and explained?
- Do you feel the options presented fit your needs and wants?
