There are many services that a licensed HVAC contractor can provide. They can install and test heating and air conditioning units. They can perform routine system checkups and repairs. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, which means that helping you maintain good climate control inside your home or business is their area of expertise. This is a complex field that requires training and accreditation. You don’t want just anyone tinkering with your comfort system. There are several reasons that you should hire a licensed HVAC professional for your heating and AC needs.
Safety
It is tempting for many homeowners to try DIY measures in fixing broken systems or units, but with heating and AC, this can be a dangerous endeavor. There is complex electrical wiring to work with, and you run the risk of electric shock. Your HVAC professional has been trained to work with electrical systems and knows the ins and outs of avoiding the dangers. Their education encompasses circuit breakers, sensors, thermostats, and more.
Another problem is refrigerant. It is the lifeblood of your AC unit, but it must be handled with the utmost care. Inhaling it could require medical attention because it can cause serious illness. This chemical is highly toxic and should only be dealt with by a licensed HVAC technician.
Education and Experience
Good HVAC technicians are trained, certified, and licensed according to local laws and regulations. Your HVAC technician has had hours of in-class and hands-on training in which they’ve learned to work with complex repairs and emergency situations. Most are paired with someone who is already certified and licensed during the novice phase. That person trains them and prepares them by teaching them how to use different tools. They learn about ductwork as well as working with different heating and AC systems prior to their own licensing and certification.
Quality Workmanship
If you’ve ever attempted DIY on any kind of project, you know how difficult the process can be. Just think of all the time and money that could be wasted trying to fix an HVAC system. There are so many intricate details involved, and you must be able to work with both mechanical and electrical components.
A licensed HVAC professional knows all the ins and outs of everything from new unit installation to routine maintenance. They know how to adjust and coordinate all the parts of HVAC systems, making condensers, evaporator coils, refrigerant lines, motors, thermostats, ductwork, and safety mechanisms work in concert. They also have firm knowledge of how to deal with heat exchangers. They bring excellent workmanship to the table while on duty, and a good technician will quote you a fair price prior to the start a job so that you’ll know what to expect.
Knowledge of Local Building Codes
Local building codes can be very complex and challenging to navigate. They require sound knowledge that is best exercised by someone who is professionally conversant with them, and that someone would be your licensed HVAC contractor.
Each state has its own laws and regulations that govern energy consumption, safety requirements, and proper ventilation to keep the air inside fresh and clean. Pennsylvania has regulations that enforce the proper use of zoned heating and cooling in multiplex homes using demand control ventilation, which controls climate in different rooms according to occupancy. In addition to this, there are multiple other local codes to follow, and learning them all is integral to proper HVAC training.
HVAC systems require solid expertise. Heating and AC units should only be installed and maintained by a licensed HVAC contractor with a background in local building codes and regulations. Among other things, they know how to prevent deadly gas leaks during the installation process.
Protecting Your Warranty
Most HVAC equipment comes with an extended warranty on parts and labor. It’s part of the value in the purchase price, and it can save you a fortune. You may not know this, but allowing someone who lacks the proper qualifications to work on your equipment voids that warranty. This includes your own DIY efforts.
Your Local HVAC Professionals
If you want knowledgeable, competent, and fully licensed technicians working on your HVAC equipment, turn to us at O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re known for safety, customer service, and quality workmanship, and we’ve been serving the people of Drexel Hill and the surrounding areas since 1955. We can install, repair, and maintain your heater or air conditioner, and we can also offer indoor air quality services. Call us today to learn more.
