Bucks County: Why Local Heater Repair is Best

When you need heater repair, the seemingly endless choices for contractors and HVAC companies can be overwhelming. How can you be sure that you’re getting the best price for the best service?

There are factors to consider when finding the right HVAC company, but your best choice will always be local heater repair. No one knows Bucks County better than HVAC Philly, and we’ll tell you why going with local heating repair is better than hiring one of the out-of-town guys.

You Get What You Pay For

 Some non-local companies may try to entice you to use their services by offering prices that seem to good to be true. The saying “You Get What You Pay For” definitely applies here. Be wary of companies or contractors who try to undercut local heater repair companies. The price might be tempting, but often times you are going to get lower quality service that will cost you more in the long run.

The Local Guys Know the Neighborhood

 There are many quaint towns in Bucks County, and no one knows their intricacies and quirks like a local heater repair company. When you use local heater repair, you can get trusted testimonials from fellow neighbors. Many times, homes in your area share similar qualities due to the landscape and similar home builds. A local heater repair company will no doubt have experience dealing with problems similar to yours and can provide better quality service because of it.

Local Heater Repair Companies Have Been Around the Block

 Nothing beats years of experience, and HVAC Philly has over 20 of them! Watch out for new companies that come through promising great service and low prices. If they have less than 3-5 years of experience, there’s a good chance they’ll make rookie mistakes when servicing your heater. In 20 years, we’ve seen it all. We know what works and what doesn’t. There’s no substitute for years of experience, which is why you really can’t beat local heater repair.

Local Companies are Insured and Licensed

Requirements for licensing and certification vary by state. When you use a local company, you can be sure they’ll adhere to your state’s licensing requirements. Don’t forget to ask about liability insurance. A company that gives you the runaround on the type of insurance they have should be avoided at all costs.

If you live in Bucks, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County and need expert, trusted HVAC service. Call the professionals at HVAC Philly at 215-725-6111. With over 20 years of experience servicing the Greater Philadelphia Area, you’ll get quick, professional service that will keep you happy well into the warm days of spring.

Stay warm, my friends.

Philadelphia Winters Call for Same Day Heater Repair

Remember the crisp fall days in Philadelphia?

Me neither.

Autumn flew by, and winter is here to stay.

During the winter months, you can count on two things: holidays and higher heating bills. Most of the time, heaters work without a problem, but unfortunately, they break down from time to time. If your heater stops working, you’ll need it repaired FAST.

At HVAC Philly, we offer same day and 24-hour emergency Heater Repair service because we don’t want any of our customers suffering through a winter night without heat. We also guarantee the best pricing on a wide range of some of the most recognized names in the industry.

Even with same day heater repair, Philadelphia winters can be brutally cold, and it doesn’t take long for a house with a broken heater to get uncomfortably cold. What should you do if your heater breaks during the winter? Read on and we’ll tell you how to stay warm while you wait for your HVAC technician.

Keep the Doors Closed – Any door that opens up to the frigid winter air is going to quickly drain heat from your home. If your heater breaks, only open exterior doors if it’s absolutely necessary. You should also close doors to any rooms you aren’t using. Ideally, you should try to stay in one enclosed room that you can focus on keeping warm.

Bundle Up – This is a no brainer, but wearing extra layers will keep you warm when you need it. Also, a lot of people don’t think about how much heat is lost through the head, so grab your favorite winter hat and keep your noggin toasty. Here’s an extra tip: Bundle up even if your heater is working! You can turn the thermostat down a few degrees and save money on your heating bill.

Block Those Drafts – Everyone has a leaky window they’ve been meaning to fix. If you lose heat and are in a pinch, grab a towel and stop cool drafts from letting in that dreaded Philadelphia winter air. The same goes for drafty door gaps.

Head to the Basement – If you have a basement, it will be your best friend when your heater stops working. The temperature will fluctuate less since you’re underground.

Use the Fireplace – Why not go the old fashioned route when you need to keep warm? A fireplace is nice and cozy, just remember, while it will heat the room you’re in, a fireplace draws heat from the rest of your house. Don’t forget fire safety 101: Make sure the flu is open when you start a fire.

Drink a Hot Beverage – There’s nothing like some hot chocolate or tea to keep you warm while you wait for your heater to be fixed!

Wait at a Friend’s House – What better time to become friends with your neighbors than when you have a broken heater? Let’s be honest, you’d have to be pretty heartless to turn down someone without heat in the dead of the winter.

Hopefully you have enough ideas to keep you warm while you wait for your heater to be repaired! Our technicians are so quick and efficient, that you probably won’t have to use these tips, but hey, knowledge is power.

If you live in Philadelphia, Bucks, or Montgomery County, give the pros at HVAC Philly a call at 215-725-6111 for great service, the best prices, and unparalleled professionalism. Stay warm my friends.

Finding the Right Heater Repair Company in Philadelphia

If your furnace dies suddenly, you’ll probably be tempted to hire the first company you find. Who can blame you? If it’s cold enough, you might have to leave your house until your furnace is up and running again.

Having a broken heater is inconvenient, but it’s worth your time to research different Heater Repair companies before you hire anyone. Read on for HVAC Philly’s tips to finding the right HVAC contractor for you!

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

While your cousin’s friend may offer cheap self-taught repair work, having your heater repaired by someone who is uninsured is risky business. Most states and municipalities mandate that HVAC contractors be licensed to work in the heating and cooling industry. In order to hold and maintain that license, HVAC companies need a minimum level of insurance and bonding. Anyone that works in your home should carry liability insurance in case of accidental damage or injury. Check with your local building department or code office for more information.

References

A professional HVAC company should have a list of recent customers that you can see to verify that the company performed the work in a timely manner to the customer’s satisfaction. A written testimonial isn’t the same as a live reference. It’s important to actually call these references to get relevant details on the project. Often, you can find valuable information online where people leave reviews about recent HVAC service. If you look through enough reviews, you can probably even find someone who had the same furnace problem that you’re having.

Estimates

Get at least three written in-home estimates from three different companies in writing.  Your most important consideration is likely cost, and costs vary widely from one company to the next. While cost is key, it’s also very important to ensure that the project’s overall scope, details and completion dates are thoroughly documented. A written estimate protects you from traps like price hikes and inflated labor costs.

Brands & Training

Ask prospective companies which specific manufacturers or equipment brands they carry. Unlike other home improvement contractors, HVAC companies often only carry a small selection of brands. If you’re doing your own price comparison research on new equipment, you may need to limit your options to companies that specialize in the equipment brand of your choice. Contractors should hold training certifications with the manufacturers of the equipment they carry.

Tax Credits or Rebates:

Depending on the type of home heating or cooling equipment you’re installing or upgrading, your project may qualify for federal or state tax credits or rebates. Be sure to ask if incentives are available for your project. If they are available, make sure the project is properly documented to meet incentive requirements.

Read the Fine Print

If you use a payment plan or apply for financing through a HVAC company’s line of credit, make sure you read all the fine print and know what you’ll be responsible for financially. Sometimes there are stiff penalties for missing a payment that will put you in a tough spot.

Ask About Guarantees

Never work with a contractor who doesn’t fully back the work performed.  Ideally, you should opt to hire a heating contractor that commits to 100% customer service and product guarantees as well as warranties. If a contractor isn’t willing to stand by the quality of their work, why should you risk hiring them?

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

While you can’t foresee an unexpected breakdown, you can take steps to keep your furnace running at the top of its game. Many homeowners put off repairing or tuning up their furnaces until a malfunction occurs. If you don’t perform regular maintenance and your furnace breaks down, critical (and usually the most expensive) components will often need replacing. In dire cases, an entirely new furnace will need to be purchased. In this case, you need to prepare for a furnace replacement. Research your options, especially if your furnace has been in your house longer than you have.

Regardless of what type of heating system you have, if you live in Philadelphia, Bucks or Montgomery County, the HVAC Philly team can provide an affordable solution. Contact us today at 215-725-6111 to learn about all of our options and solutions for your heater repair, maintenance, and installation service. We currently have a special on new furnace installations and offer free estimates. We look forward to working with you soon.