Buying Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment in Los Angeles

Lately I have received more phone calls than usual from homeowners in Los Angeles who want an estimate for new heating or air conditioning installed in their home. And, they just want an estimate for the installation not the equipment. The furnace, or the air conditioner they tell me proudly has already been purchased online. "Oh dear," I groan.
It is usually intelligent people who have an independent streak and are very capable of understanding complex concepts. They are smart enough to find a deal and confident about their ability to take the road less traveled. But buying air conditioning equipment online is a mistake.

I understand the lure of an inexpensive online purchase. I am tempted when I see a very real looking Rolex for $495.  But don't you want the company who installs your home comfort system to warranty their work? I can't warranty a system if I don't know where the equipment came from. When I install equipment that I have provided, I am able to guarantee the system for many years. For this reason, heating and air conditioning equipment should only be purchased from the person who installs it.
What's more, the person who installs should be licensed, insured and an authorized dealer for the heating and cooling equipment manufacturer.
Instead of google shopping for AC's or furnaces, the first thing to look for when you are searching for a new heating and cooling system in Los Angeles is a contractor you can trust. Referrals from friends are a good place to start, and then follow up with your own investigation. How long has the contractor been in business?
I am a heating and air conditioning contractor in Los Angeles which is a very competitive market. You don't succeed in a competitive market by ripping people off. Contractors succeed by giving real value to customers year after year. History matters.
I was licensed by the State of California in 1989. Twenty five years of practical experience means an increased skill level. It also means a 25 year relationship with my suppliers; the manufacturers of heating & AC equipment. That relationship is worth something. Buying hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of furnaces and heaters every year for 25 years means that when there is a problem with a piece of equipment (and problems do happen from time to time) the manufacturer will replace that piece immediately. There is no paperwork to fill out or return shipping charges.
Let's talk price. As an authorized dealer of heating and air conditioning equipment, the prices I pay for furnaces & AC's lower than anyone on the internet. At first glance my quote to you may look higher because I include the wiring, copper lines, fittings, drains, tubing, couplings, curbs, coils, oil traps, thermostats and whatever else might be needed to properly complete the installation of your HVAC system. The delivery to your home and the crane that will take your new packaged unit to your roof is included.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a great price on heating or air conditioning in Los Angeles stay away from online shopping and look for a great contractor.

What To Do If Your Furnace Is Red Tagged

Sometimes a utility company representative or service technician finds heating equipment so damaged that they are obligated to "red-tag" the furnace and shut it down. This means that it poses an immediate danger to life or property. A red tag, or warning tag, is placed on a furnace to indicate that your equipment is no longer safe to operate and either needs to be repaired or replaced. A licensed HVAC technician who identifies a warning tag situation is required by law to turn off your gas as a safety measure to protect the residents of your home or business.

Why have I received a warning tag?

Typical problems that I've seen red-tagged are a vandalized furnace in a foreclosure, severely corroded furnace components, or the improper use of flexible gas supply lines. Sometimes a homeowner fixes their own furnace using materials not approved for gas appliance installation.

A red tag is not something to take lightly. A defective heat exchanger in a furnace can release carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless gas that can cause serious health problems, even death, if undetected. In Los Angeles, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death by poisoning. If carbon monoxide is leaking from a cracked heat exchanger, there is a chance of it mixing with the air circulated by the furnace and pushed throughout the vents causing a danger to everyone inside that home.

What should I do if I receive a warning tag?

If you receive a warning tag, you should immediately call a licensed and insured HVAC contractor in your area. In some cases, a furnace can repaired. In more serious cases, the equipment needs to be replaced. Dealing with natural gas and electricity requires extreme care. If you are in Los Angeles and you have any concerns about your furnace don't hesitate to call me. 818-780-0701. I am happy to speak with you free of charge to answer any questions you may have about you Red Tagged furnace, or any furnace concerns you may have.

If you need a house call Kilowatt's Safety Sealed service technicians are fully trained to diagnose and repair all brands of furnaces. After the problem is rectified a utility company representative will return to the house, verify the repairs, and reconnect the gas service to the home. Phew!

Angieslist Super Service Award

Kilowatt Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical of Sherman Oaks, California has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.

"We work hard to provide the best possible service, safety and savings to our customers," says a very grateful Dean Gilford, the president of Kilowatt. "Angieslist is purely customer feedback. It feels good to know that our efforts are appreciated so much by our customers that we are being recognized with this award." 

Kilowatt has more than 55 reviews on Angieslist and it seems that customers are very appreciative of the efforts made by Mr. Gilford and his team of background checked, drug tested, and professionally trained employees. 

John S. who had a new HVAC system designed and installed by Kilowatt says, “The entire experience with Kilowatt was extremely positive. Their level of professionalism and expertise is outstanding. From the spec’ing of the system to the commissioning, to the friendly and knowledgeable office/business communications, they provided the utmost in skill and efficiency. The team’s coordination in the whole process was flawless. Their project management, client interface, execution, and follow through serve as a model for all construction industry professionals. This is a well-synchronized firm with superb products, service, and client communication. We recommend them highly!”

“Only about 5 percent of the companies Kilowatt competes with in Los Angeles, California are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.”

2013 Award Requirements

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2013 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie’s List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to healthcare. More than 2 million paid households use Angie’s List to gain access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List Magazine and the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.

Kilowatt Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical

4925 Sepulveda Blvd.

Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

www.KilowattHVAC.com