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Is your HVAC system 10 years old or more? That means you may be taking a look at replacing it in the next couple of years. However,if your HVAC system is newer,you wish to ensure that it keeps running right by scheduling at least annual maintenance. In any case,eventually you will need to hire an HVAC consultant. Here are five areas to consider during your search.

1. Licensing and Experience

Your HVAC system is probably one of the most expensive equipment in your house,and you want assurance that whoever works on it has appropriate training.

for instance Ohio requires proper licensing for contractors in the HVAC industry; to obtain a license,a contractor must have five years of experience in the field before the date the application for the license is filed. Along with the Ohio license,a company should have the ability to hold a minimal level of bonding and insurance. Insurance is to protect homeowners in case of injury or accidental damage.

You should also inquire about a prospective contractor’s experience. While longevity alone won’t guarantee that a contractor will do a good job,stability in the business indicates a contractor is doing something right. What’s more,you can inquire about the certifications the contractors and technicians have: certification through such organizations as North American Technician Excellence (NATE) helps to guarantee a technician’s education and experience depend on date.

Technician training may encompass many facets of the industry,but among one of the most important are the handling of refrigerant and air balancing. Are the company’s technicians certified to handle refrigerant? Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act,individuals not properly certified should not be handling refrigerant. This is of particular importance as the switch from Freon (R-22 refrigerant) to R-410A progresses. Today’s technicians should also be trained to test and balance installations for maximum efficiency and comfort; the National Comfort Institute’s certification in air balancing provides a standard for training that the homeowner should be aware of.

Further,ask if the contractor carries top brands,and about technicians’ training with these brands: each system/manufacturer is unique,and a quality consultant will ensure that technicians have had the right training to optimize installations.

2. Home Evaluation

If you’re aiming to have a system installed,potential HVAC contractors should offer a thorough home evaluation to determine the very best heating and cooling solution. Factors to become considered are square footage of the home,R-value of insulation,how many windows there are and which way they face. Contractors should inspect the duct system for leaks,loose segments and insulation. The Sizing of a new system should not be done based on square footage alone,but rather on calculations determined by data fed into industry software known as Manuals J (for cooling and heating loads),S (to determine size of equipment) and D (for ductwork).

Once you have an evaluation,the prospective contractor should give you a written,itemized estimate so you can compare costs,warranties and energy efficiency among the proposals. Do not go by low price alone. In our climate,for example,a better quality,more efficient furnace may offset a bigger price by utilizing less fuel with time.

3. References and Referrals

Ask for references and referrals and call them up. Ask if jobs were completed promptly and within the budget. Ask if the company performed clean installations and respected the homeowner’s property. Did the company test the system after it was installed to ensure maximum efficiency? Run potential contractors past the Better Business Bureau to see what kind of complaints are registered. You can also go on the internet to check complaints or ratings,but remember that many online reviews are fake. Glowing reviews without details and bitter diatribes without specifics are suspect.

When you’re seeking referrals,ask your friends,neighbors or co-workers. Ask local trade organizations for names of their members in your area,or consult online services like Angie’s List or the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.

A good HVAC consultant will also show pride in his or her company: trucks should be in good repair and the company name emblazoned on vehicles.

4. Rebates and Special Deals

An HVAC system is a major expense,so search for rebates on energy-efficient equipment,or ask your dealer about specials. Ohio utility companies offer some rebates for installing efficient equipment.

5. Efficiency

Efficiency is very important. When looking for an upgrade,you want one of the most efficient equipment you can afford. Ask the contractor about Energy Star-rated models. Energy Star is the government’s program for rigorously testing HVAC equipment for efficiency.

If you`re considering contracting with a marketing company to help promote your business, you may be curious what the difference is between a traditional and digital marketing company. According to, both categories of companies can provide valuable services, but it`s important to comprehend how they differ so you can determine which one is correct for your needs. Here`s a fast summary of the key differences between traditional and digital marketing agencies:

Traditional Marketing Companies

Traditional marketing companies normally offer a wide range of services, including paid ads, pr, market research, event planning, and more. They often have large teams of experts who focus in different aspects of marketing. One of the main benefits of working with a traditional marketing company is that they have a lot of experience and knowledge in many different areas. This can be helpful if you`re not certain precisely what form of marketing support you need or if you require help with multiple aspects of your marketing strategy.

Digital Marketing Agencies

Digital marketing companies, on the other hand, tend to focus primarily on digital marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), PPC marketing, social media advertising, and email advertising. While some digital marketing companies also offer traditional marketing services, their goal is generally on assisting companies sell themselves digital. This can be beneficial if you`re searching for assistance with your digital presence or if you want to make sure your site and other online properties are optimized for search results.

In Conclusion

Both traditional and digital marketing companies can offer valuable solutions for businesses. The important difference between the two is that traditional companies normally offer a wider selection of services while digital agencies tend to pinpoint primarily on digital marketing strategies. When choosing which kind of agency to work with, it`s critical to consider your wants and goals so you can decide the one that`s best suited to help you achieve your objectives.

When it comes to obtaining a mortgage, borrowers have a variety of options to choose from. Three common types of mortgages are no doc loans, bridge loans, and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). While these loans share some similarities, they also have significant differences in their terms and requirements.

No Doc Loans:

A no doc loan, also known as a stated income or low doc loan, is a type of mortgage that requires little or no documentation of the borrower`s income or assets. This type of loan was popular in the early 2000s and contributed to the subprime mortgage crisis. Today, no doc loans are much less common, but they can still be an option for borrowers with irregular income who may have difficulty providing extensive documentation. With a no doc loan, the borrower is able to simply state their income without providing extensive documentation. While no doc loans can be easier to obtain, they often come with higher interest rates and fees than traditional mortgages, and borrowers may be required to provide additional documentation or higher down payments. 5/1 ARM are of great benefit for investors to build up their portfolio.

Bridge Loans:

A bridge loan is a short-term loan that is used to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an existing property. This type of loan is often used in situations where a borrower needs to purchase a new property before their existing property has sold. Bridge loans are typically secured by the borrower`s existing property and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as funding the down payment on a new property or covering temporary expenses until the sale of the existing property is completed. Bridge loans often have higher interest rates and fees than traditional mortgages and may require a significant down payment.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs):

An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, is a type of mortgage where the interest rate can fluctuate over time based on market conditions. ARMs typically have a fixed interest rate for a period of time, often 5 or 7 years, and then the rate adjusts annually based on a specified index. ARMs can be beneficial for borrowers who plan on living in the home for a short period or expect their income to increase over time. However, ARMs can also be risky if interest rates rise significantly, as the borrower`s monthly payment can increase significantly over time.

In summary, no doc loans, bridge loans, and ARMs are all types of mortgages that can be used for different purposes. No doc loans may be easier to obtain for borrowers with irregular income, but they come with higher interest rates and fees. Bridge loans are used to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an existing property, but they often come with higher interest rates and fees as well. ARMs can be beneficial for borrowers who plan on living in the home for a short period or expect their income to increase over time, but they can also be risky if interest rates rise significantly. Borrowers should carefully consider their options and work with a trusted lender to determine the best mortgage option for their specific needs and circumstances.