Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important thing to consider when purchasing home comfort equipment?
Shop for the contractor first, and then the equipment. Even the best piece of equipment can be next to useless if not installed correctly. A new furnace or air conditioner is not like a new washer or microwave oven. You can’t just take it out of the box and plug it in.

Your new equipment must work with your current home comfort equipment, as well as with the other systems in your home, such as the electrical system, ductwork, radiators, ventilators, and even the plumbing. Any problems with one or more of these systems could drastically affect the installation and operation of your equipment.

For example, if you buy a new air conditioner, your current furnace must be able to handle the air conditioner’s airflow requirements or there will be trouble. A good HVAC contractor will know what factors to consider and how to harmonize new equipment with your home’s particular systems.

How do I choose a contractor?
If you already have a good working relationship with a contractor who regularly maintains your furnace or air conditioner, then it’s best to go to this person for your new equipment. This contractor will already be familiar with your existing equipment and your home’s unique indoor environment.

If you don’t already have a relationship with a contractor, here’s what to do:

Talk to your friends and neighbours - If you need to repair or replace a piece of equipment, chances are some of your neighbours have already been through the same experience. Ask them which contractors they used and whether they had any problems. If there was a problem, how did the contractor handle it? How a contractor approaches a customer’s concerns is a good indication of their attention to service.

Look for a community presence - If none of your neighbours can recommend someone, take a look around your community. When you’re in the market for a new furnace or air conditioner, you’ll quickly become aware of trucks and advertising that you never noticed before. If you see that a particular company sponsors your little league teams or other community events, then that company may be a little more customer-friendly than some others.

What about brand names?
When you shop for new home comfort equipment you may be told that Brand A is better than Brand B. In some cases, one brand will offer benefits that another brand does not. Talk to your ClimateCare contractor for help in deciding what is best for you.

Is a programmable thermostat a good investment?
A programmable thermostat is a worthwhile investment both for comfort and energy savings. You can program the thermostat to adjust the furnace (or air conditioner) as appropriate, at night or when you are away from the house. Some programmable thermostats have special features, such as extra large numbers on the display. Others have an intelligence recovery feature that keeps track of the thermostat's performance over the course of a season. For instance, as it gets colder in the winter, the thermostat will "remember" to start operating the furnace earlier in the day. Your HVAC contractor can tell you about the thermostat options available to you.