An independent editorial guide site about heating and cooling. We publish plain-language guides and are rebuilding a directory of heating and cooling help by state and city.
No. We are not a contractor. We do not sell, install, repair, or service equipment, and we do not book jobs.
Not yet by name. Our directory is being rebuilt city by city as honest local guides. The guides teach you how to vet any contractor: what licenses and paperwork to ask about, what a written quote should include, and how to compare your options.
Ask about licensing and insurance, get written estimates that spell out the scope of work, ask what warranties cover and who honors them, and check references. Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to decide on the spot or who will not put the details in writing.
The equipment and its key details, the scope of the work, labor, permits, removal of old equipment, warranty terms, payment terms, and a timeline. If a line is vague, ask for it to be spelled out before you agree.
Check your manual first — it is the authority for your system. In general, keep filters clean, keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris, and have a professional look at the system before the cooling season. If airflow drops or the system makes new noises, do not wait.
Consider the age of the system, how often it has needed repairs, whether it still cools evenly, and how it compares with a new system on running costs. A professional inspection helps, and a second opinion is reasonable for a large decision.
Common checks: the thermostat setting, a dirty filter, blocked vents, and a blocked outdoor unit. If those are fine, the problem may need a professional — refrigerant and electrical work are not do-it-yourself jobs.
SEER is a rating of how efficiently an air conditioner uses electricity over a cooling season. A higher rating generally means the system uses less electricity for the same cooling, but the right choice also depends on your home, your climate, and the installation.
No. We are an editorial site, not a service business. Email us at [email protected].
Email us with the page address and what is wrong. We read every message and fix real errors.