As Oregonians and Washingtonians experience record-breaking temperatures, reliable air conditioning providers and repair companies have become a hot commodity. To help keep cool this summer, Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington offers consumers the following advice:
Finding the right air conditioning provider or contractor:
- Be wary of unsolicited, high pressure sales pitches from contractors offering air conditioning systems. Family, friends or neighbors may be able to refer a trustworthy alternative.
- Visit www.bbb.org to search for BBB Reliability Reports on prospective providers and repair companies. Verify that the company is properly licensed with the state. Those who install or repair may require additional licensing so also check with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board: www.ccb.state.or.us.
- Solicit bids from multiple companies. Cost estimates should include: A description of the system or equipment that will be installed, its size, and units of energy (BTU); the calculated cooling capacity of your home; and wiring specifications (in case your home is not already equipped). Product and service warranty information should also be included. Most provide at least a one-year warranty.
When dealing with door-to-door salesmen, remember, the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule can give you three business days to cancel purchases over $25 that are made in your home or at a location that is not the seller's permanent place of business. For more information, visit www.ftc.gov.
Maintaining your investment:
To preserve an air conditioning system, have a contractor inspect and service it every year. Many offer service contracts which include routine equipment inspections and emergency repair service; be sure the agreement states what is provided and how long it is provided for. Also, remember to clean or replace air conditioning filters once a month or as needed.
Reducing your energy bills:
- Try installing a programmable thermostat to adjust the setting depending on whether you're going to be home or out for the day.
- Conduct a home "walk-through" energy audit to test your cooling system's efficiency. Inspect the insulation quality to see if the R-value is high enough to meet the Department of Energy's standards in your area. Some utility companies provide free or low-cost energy audits.
- A light-colored exterior will reflect heat away from your home; darker surfaces absorb more. Consider replacing single-pane windows with high-performance double-pane windows; low-emissivity (low-e) or spectrally selective glass will reduce transmittable heat. Closing blinds or other window coverings can also help keep your home cooler.
By purchasing an energy efficient central air conditioning unit, you may be eligible for new federal tax credits under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Check with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at www.eere.energy.gov, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Energy Star Program at www.energystar.gov/taxcredits, and Home Energy Saver at www.homeenergysaver.lbl.gov.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses. The BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.