Submitted by Tammi Douglas of Advent Air Conditioning

Most homeowners are not aware that home air conditioners require routine maintenance. Equipment manufacturers, the U.S. Department of Energy and all utility companies suggest you have your home air conditioner serviced semi-annually.

Failure to properly maintain your air conditioning system will increase monthly utility bills, increase unwanted repair costs and shorten the life of the system – all of which lead to unexpected expenses.

The No. 1 cause of HVAC failure is a dirty filter. Not only will this damage your system, but it also creates an unhealthy environment inside the home.

Indoor and outdoor cooling coils need to be cleaned and refrigerant charge verified. Some motors need to be oiled, and air flow needs to be checked. Electrical connections need to be tested for safety. During the fall months, a carbon monoxide test should be performed.

Most air conditioning companies offer these services. Beware of companies’ ads that claim services will be performed for $49.99 to $69.99 per visit. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A reputable HVAC contracted with properly trained technicians cannot afford to properly perform these types of services at this price. Many of these promotions are gimmicks to get their foot in the door. In most cases, the technicians present a much higher invoice than the advertised rate. In some cases, homeowners have seen invoices in the $800 to $900 range.

To avoid falling for marketing gimmicks, research the company before making any hiring decisions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Are they a preferred vendor on Angie’s List?
• How long has the company been in business?
• Does the company have a positive rating with the Better Business Bureau?
• Have you ever seen or heard of the organization before?
• Ask for a list of references. After all, these people will be coming into your home.
• Make sure the company has the proper state license and insurance. Ask for proof.
• Does the company have a proper business address? How long have they been there?
• Make sure the staff members have been background checked and drug tested. This information can usually be found on a company’s website.
• Make sure they are in a well-identified truck and company uniform and possess a company ID.

Advent Air Conditioning, Inc. was founded in 1981 and offers service in repair and installation of all major air conditioning and heating systems for your residential or commercial location.

As of June 24, 2011, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.