When you are searching for the best heating contractor, there are a number of factors that go into making that decision. How do you know what heating contractor, in a sea of many, provides the best services?Many will do research, others will call the first number they come across. Others will use a referral from a neighbor, friend or co-worker. Others may just call whomever their parents called.

You can find out by taking a few moments to think about what is best for your needs and budget.

Sure, you can scour Angie’s List and/or the Better Business Bureau, but there are other things that can help pick the best heating contractor.

• Furnace Repair
• Forced Air Heating
• Geothermal Heating
• Thermal Heating
• Electric Heating
• Hot Water Heating

1. Are they insured, licensed or bonded?
2. Do they have references?
3. Do they seem to have a good reputation and some good online reviews?
4. Do you feel comfortable that they have your best interests in mind, not just their best interests (making money off you!)?

How can you tell if you have a good heating company? Many people can get a good vibe when dealing with a person on the phone or in person. Do they seem confident and honest? Do you feel they are not only educating you and helping you, but also providing you with options that you understand? Is there a best-case scenario, worst-case scenario and various options? Are the techs neat and clean? Do they have visible identification? Are the trucks identified and are they cared for?

When you meet or talk with a service technician, representative or business owner from a heating company, ask about their experience. How many years have they been doing this? What type of education or background do they have? Do they have specialties; is there certain things they don’t do? In addition, does this heating contractor talk about providing you with energy efficient solutions, not just most affordable?

Before signing anything or agreeing to anything, get everything in writing and be sure you completely understand the expectations of the current trip/visit/repair, how they bill or will the work be completed when needed.

When it comes to heating contractors/professionals, they should be able to work on a variety of brand name equipment and fix a wide variety of scenarios. There isn’t much an experienced heating contractor hasn’t seen.

When it comes to your heating needs, there is a wide variety of heating/furnaces you can choose. We can help you understand some of the main types and specific pros/cons of these styles to help make the decision easier. Here are some different types of furnaces:The basic furnace most people are familiar with is the household furnace. These furnaces provide heat through numerous sources, such as gas, electricity, coal, wood and even fuel oil.

The two most common household furnaces are the condensation and combustion. The condensation furnace recycles heat by extracting it from the exhaust gases. As for the combustion furnace, it requires an exhaust, and relies on the burning of fuel to generate heat.

Other types of furnaces include:

• Central warm-air furnace
• Heat pump reverse cycle system
• Steam or hot-water system
• Thermal Heating
• Floor, wall or pipeless furnace
• Industrial furnace
• Geothermal heating
• Metallurgical furnace
• Incinerating furnace

As with most products, the better quality product, the longer it should last. Like any other product, the maintenance of your equipment can help prolong and keep it running more efficiently.With that being said, how long should my furnace last? That is a common question and good one. A good furnace should last up to 15 years and some have heat exchanges that are warranted for even 20 years. It can last 15-20 years if properly maintained, serviced and cleaned. It can also start showing wear and tear at about 10 years. This is also the time it can start nickel and diming you. You may start seeing your repair costs increase, and may notice it is not as efficient as it once was. Again, it all comes back to long-term maintenance. Once it passes 10 years, keep an eye on the performance so you know what is working and what may need to be fixed, cleaned or repaired.

More information: A 2007 study by the National Association of Home Builders found that furnaces for forced-air systems last an average of 15 to 20 years; boilers for hot-water radiators and baseboards last 13 to 21 years.

Like any type of equipment, things are going to break down, perform less efficiently based on wear and tear and need service, by either the owner or a trained and certified technician.Like any type of equipment, things are going to break down, perform less efficiently based on wear and tear and need service, by either the owner or a trained and certified technician.

Some of the common heating/furnace repairs industry professionals see include:

1. Lack of maintenance: As stated above, reduced efficiency, increased energy use or breakdown/malfunctions happen, especially if an owner does not take care of the furnace.
2. Dirty or clogged filters: One of the most common problems is not changing your furnace filter when dirty or as needed/required.
3. Air flow problems: Whether it’s the belts, fan motor or bearings, problems with these can cause poor heat control, overheating, under heating or poor pressure/circulation.
4. Thermostat malfunction: This is a big one! Many people may not understand the correlation between the furnace and thermostat.
5. Igniter problems: There are times when the pilot light or ignition control module just doesn’t work. Sometimes taking a wire brush to clean areas can help. Sometimes it needs a professional repair technician.

One of the best ways to save money on your heating bills is to have an energy audit completed by your utility company. Other ways to save money include:

• Install a programmable thermostat and set it to make adjustments. For example, set it to a cooler temperature when you’re not home.
• Wear layers. You don’t have to wear a winter coat, but wearing layers or a few warmer clothing items can help you adjust to the cooler temperature setting, saving you money
• Use ceiling fans. Since hot air rises, ceiling fans can circulate the air better.
• Change your air filter regularly and keep it clean.
• Check the insulation throughout your house, seal off any trouble spots and add insulation where you can.

Most utility companies charge a rate per kilowatt-hour (KWH). Since this is difficult to understand for most customers, it’s best to call your utility company, read your utility bill and then apply the above methods to help lower your bill.

This can get tricky. Do you continue to pay for small, minor or major repairs, or do you spend the money to buy a new, energy efficient heating system?There are various opinions out there, but a few things to consider… Since the life expectancy is about 15 to 20 years, the older the furnace, it makes more sense to buy new. The newer your furnace, it makes more sense to repair. A typical furnace can cost around $1,500 to $4,000. If you are starting to find yourself paying $200 here, $300 there, $700 or $1,000 more in other cases, then it may be time to consider a new furnace. If it’s smaller, general maintenance and repairs, then paying for smaller fixes can help you get back to a more efficient system and not need to buy new.