Brrrr: How to save money on HVAC repairs or (gulp) replacement in the DC area

With temperatures dropping sometimes an extra blanket isn t enough This is the time of the year where everyone s furnaces are starting to kick on and specific folks out there are finding out their heat isn t working commented Kevin Brasler executive editor of Washington Consumers Checkbook Don t panic if the heat isn t working but it s better to realize that in October than in the deep freeze of December If you need to have a repair done to your furnace or if you need to have a furnace replacement be very careful about which company you select Brasler mentioned We get lots and lots of complaints about companies that oversell and try to sell furnaces when a repair will do And even if it becomes apparent that a furnace fix will get the heat back on Our undercover shoppers disclosed that specific HVAC services charged more than over what others do for the exact same repair Washington Consumers Checkbook has compiled ratings of air-conditioning and heating contractors in the D C area based upon surveyed customers and undercover shoppers Editor s note The ratings link will be operational for WTOP s audience through Nov Brasler disclosed most of companies will have a minimum amenity charge in the vicinity of Before you have a company come out to your home Brasler mentioned Ask What do I get for that Do I get a full identification of if I need a repair or replacement Will you work up a fixed cost for me Does the cover the first minutes of labor or is that just what I pay to have you show up ' Having a facility call during the temperate October and early November weather is preferable than having it fail in the dead of winter The issue for a lot of folks is when their furnace dies or in the summer when the air conditioning dies they re in a time-sensitive situation where they feel I have to get this thing replaced ' Brasler stated He disclosed chosen companies take advantage of customers whose furnaces poop out when it s freezing They submit proposals and are like I ll take care of this and get a new furnace installed the next day but I m going to charge you for it when other companies might charge only four or five thousand Brasler reported Brasler recommends getting at least a second opinion if it appears a new furnace is needed and then getting two or three prices for the unit and installation What we know is that specific companies charge vastly more than others do for the same installs he disclosed Is it worth it to spend more for an energy-efficient HVAC Yes disclosed Brasler Especially now If you need a new furnace go ahead and spend extra for an energy-efficient model Brasler announced The reason is there s a rebate operation from Washington Gas that will help you pay to toward the extra cost of that more efficient model Washington Gas has money saving rebates for Virginia Maryland and the District In addition buying a new energy-efficient HVAC can merit a federal tax credit If you want that tax credit you have to act now Brasler noted It s to go away at the end of Even without rebates if you buy a more efficient furnace you ll fast pay off the extra cost through ability savings In this area it ll only take a couple or three years for you to pay back the extra cost of an efficient furnace Brasler reported Source