Air Conditioning Myths That May Cost You More Money
Myth 1: Get your air conditioner technician in Los Angeles on Craigslist.
The interweb has given us a variety of places to find an air conditioning service technician, but beware because not all are comparable. While the Better Business Bureau gives you information on whether a contractor is accredited based on their organization's history and practices, other web pages are open to anyone who requests to post an ad. For example, Craigslist lets anyone post an ad providing their services, not requiring them to verify whether or not they're truly qualified, licensed and bonded, or have the proper training and background.
If you choose a contractor or individual without getting to verify their qualifications and skill set, it may end up costing you more ultimately. Suppose the technician doesn't know how to properly service your actual air conditioning system. In that case, you may need a different, more experienced technician to repair their mistakes and pay multiple Trip Charges.
Myth 2: Choosing a small business is better.
Working with small businesses can be fantastic for some minor home services – it's wonderful for the local business, good for the economy, and maybe even great for your pocket book. But beware: small businesses or one-person companies could leave you in a lurch. If something goes wrong, they may disappear and not be available to fix it, or they may not have the human resources to get to you quickly, which is not what you want if your AC dies in the summer heat in Los Angeles, CA.
Myth 3: You can use any type of refrigerant in your air conditioner.
With the government stopping the production of R-22, many families are seeing the cost of refilling their air conditioner's refrigerant increasing. It may sound like a simple fix to substitute a different, less expensive refrigerant. Still, if an AC service technician in Los Angeles recommends this, you probably want to find a second opinion.
Manufacturers specify the exact refrigerant the system is designed for, and before 2010, it was commonly R-22. Although there is an extreme decline in the production of R-22, those AC systems are still designed for it, and replacing R-22 with a different refrigerant may not only destroy your AC system it could invalidate your warranty. Due to possible damage, a voided warranty may cost you way more in future parts.
Myth 4: You don't need routine air conditioning maintenance in Los Angeles.
Most people who aren't having trouble with their air conditioning system may believe they don't need yearly maintenance. It works fine, so why spend the money on a tune-up? Well, there's the fact that a routine AC tune- up in Los Angeles costs around $99 while repairs will cost you around $600. Most manufacturers demand regular maintenance to continue your warranty, so disregarding your annual tune-up could cost you your warranty, resulting in a huge payout if your air conditioning system dies on the hottest summer day in LA.
Myth 5: Finding out about the business isn't important.
You must do your due diligence before choosing an air conditioning service business in Los Angeles, CA, especially if you feel a specific company is pushing you. As we discussed in Myth #1, some domains don't need a contractor to be qualified to place an ad for their services. You need to know what you're getting into so you don't have to pay twice for the same service.
Online reviews, referrals from family, and a high accreditation grade with the Better Business Bureau will assure you of the type of company you will be offering your business to and help you decide if they are best for you. Google is a wonderful review site to start your search. You could have to invest your hard-earned money with your air conditioning company, so invest a little time and research to ensure they are the best HVAC company in Los Angeles for your home.
Myth 6: It will cost more to turn your thermostat up while you're away from home.
Over time, leaving the thermostat at a lower temperature throughout the day will cost you more than raising it 10 degrees while you are gone. It usually will not take excessive extra energy to get your home comfortable once you return, depending on your home.
A programmable thermostat lets the temperature increase or decrease from a phone or tablet so you can easily adjust the temperature cooler before coming home, so your home is cool and comfortable when you get home. This reduces your energy over the day and decreases your cooling bills.
Myth 7: Constantly running ceiling fans will help lower the temperature in your home.
Fans help keep you cool and don't decrease the home's temperature by themselves. In fact, fans (comparable to refrigerators) increase your home's temperature. The motor causing your fan to operate creates heat, which can add heat to the air in the home. A good ceiling fan does help level the temperature of a room and may help to cool air by circulating. Still, if there isn't a person below the fan