Performance Heating & Air Trane

Comfort zone

Why Get a

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MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS:

A Great Investment

DOES YOUR AC

Need a Check-Up?

SECOND OPINION? UNDERSTANDING WARRANTIES

MOST RELIABLE FOR A

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REASON

Every Trane product is designed down to every detail and rigorously tested for reliability and durability. While other manufacturers build their products from the same “pool� of parts available to anyone, we make it a point to be uniquely better, innovative and always looking to the future.

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252-399-1100 performancehvac.com

When you get calls from happy customers every week praising the installers and service technicians or our office personnel, you know you have a staff like family. We like to reward them and keep our working environment positive.

a message from

STUART BATTeN

W

hen my partner, Thomas Lyndon, and I began Performance Heating and Cooling in 1993, we expected a long future ahead of providing temperature comfort for customers and a good living for our families. Already friends, we became good business partners.

We shared the same interests, such as piloting aircraft. Tragically, on one Sunday afternoon in October 2006, Thomas and his wife were killed in a plane crash (see page 6).

Our families, our customers, our employees and our community helped pull us through those difficult times, and we will always be grateful. It has been a roller coaster journey, taking us along for the ride.

Performance Heating and Cooling started with a few technicians and one office personnel, and now we staff 37 employees.

We have been fortunate to have dedicated employees. Most have six or more years of

Owner, Performance Heating & Cooling

service. That company dedication is reflected in our people and service. When you get calls from happy customers every week praising the installers and service technicians or our office personnel, you know you have a staff like ‘family.’ We like to reward them and keep our working environment positive. You can read about our customer satisfaction on our website testimonial page.

Providing over 20 years of superior service starts with well-trained technicians and installers. They are knowledgeable about the newest technologies, and we require them to be NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified.

Technicians take part in regular training workshops and are kept updated on new products, all so we can better serve our customers.

We can work with any residential or small commercial heating and cooling system, and provide you with the one that suits you best. Our highly-trained Comfort Specialist can consult with you,

on site, free of charge. Visit our website to view a list of services, products, including Trane geothermal (see page 22), and maintenance agreements.

Performance Heating and Cooling wants you to be part of our family of customers. When you see a Performance vehicle driving around town give us a wave, and give a call if we can help service your needs If you are a customer, we want to express our gratitude. If you have not tried our services, please follow our journey in this magazine. After you have gotten to know us, we hope you’ll allow us to get to know you.

Sincerely,

Stuart Batten, Owner

A

fter a severe thunderstorm, tornado or hurricane – natural events that frequent North Carolina – homeowners need to take several precautions before attempting to salvage or restart heating and cooling equipment.

“It’s important to remember not to immediately restart heating and cooling equipment after a severe storm because it can be dangerous and could cause further damage,” said Stuart Batten, Owner of Performance Heating and Cooling. “The equipment may be severely damaged, its wiring may be damaged or it may have debris lodged in it. These are some of the many reasons why it’s best to have a qualified service technician inspect your heating and cooling equipment after a severe storm.”

Homeowners should not be too eager to get things back to normal after a storm, because improper maintenance and preparation can cause problems years later.

To ensure your safety and prevent further damage to equipment, take the following steps after a storm:

If the storm caused flooding, don’t start equipment until you are certain there is no water inside any components. If you’re not sure, don’t start it.

Have a reputable electrician or a technician

from the power company or city inspect your home’s internal and external wiring to make sure they’re dry and safe before you turn on any electrical equipment.

If the power company gives you approval

After A Severe Storm take precautions before starting heating & cooling equipment

by Jacqueline Cross

to turn on the electricity in your home, but you think you may have a problem with your heating or cooling equipment, have the service company disconnect the equipment from the electrical source, and have it properly serviced first.

If there was flooding, open equipment

and get some air circulating inside. This will speed up the drying process.

After a storm, use only reputable service companies to help you get your air conditioner and heater up and running again. “Unscrupulous companies can descend on disaster areas,” Staurt says.

“Be careful. If necessary, go without service a little longer to make sure you get real value for your money.”

Even Your Y

our air conditioner is one of the hardest working and most expensive appliances in your home, and it deserves some love and special attention. At least once a year, it’s important to give your AC system a full inspection and tune-up to assure that it’s running smoothly when you need it most.

If you live in a warm climate, chances are your air conditioner runs constantly for most of the year. During that time, filters will become dirty, coils can become caked with dust, blockages may develop, and system leaks may become worse.

Any number of issues may develop in your system while it’s actively working overtime to cool your home and, conversely, your system may also develop problems while it’s dormant during the winter months. Servicing your unit allows any potential concerns to be spotted early, before they become worse.

If your air conditioning system has a small problem that you allow to worsen, a major repair could be in your future.

The cost of an AC repair – or worse, a full system replacement – is almost certainly going to be more expensive than a maintenance appointment.

AC

Needs Regular Check-ups

by Clair Cameron

The long term health of your system is only part of the reason why regular upkeep is a great idea. Annual maintenance assures that your system is working as efficiently as possible, using only the amount of energy it needs to get the job done. In short, keeping your system clean and tuned up improves energy efficiency, and will likely save you money on energy bills.

For older systems, this annual maintenance is even more important, and not just because it’s at increased risk for breaking down. Older systems are less energy efficient, and combined with the rising cost of

power, saving money while using them can be a real hassle. By paying for a relatively inexpensive service call once or twice a year, you’re almost assuredly going to get that money back in terms of what you’ll save on bills. A service call keeps all systems running at an optimal level, and for older systems it may be what prevents a major malfunction.

Regular maintenance has an up front cost, but neglecting to do it could be far more

expensive. In the end, a large repair bill is going to cost you far more, and the savings you’ll reap on energy bills are worth the cost of an appointment. Remember, no machine is designed to work forever. Your AC system needs to be taken care of properly, and doing so could expand its lifespan well beyond the years the manufacturer ever intended.

nd

Fi Th

by Marge McCarthy

Sense of Community W

hen Connie Batten talks about Performance Heating and Cooling, you can hear a sense of pride. It is not only pride in the company, and its employees, but also about being part of the larger community and how it’s all connected.

Wilson, North Carolina has almost 50,000 residents, but is also one of those communities with strong ties to surrounding counties. “It’s important to support area events and fundraisers. Buying the chicken plates for our staff is a regular thing.

It helps support various churches and organizations that use the sale of chicken plates as fundraisers.

They work hard to prepare the great food, and we support their efforts,” says Connie.

ure

eC

Civic Support and that

Supporting the community comes in many forms, and Performance does its share.

“We have a file we keep of all the civic support we participate in, but we don’t think about it much. When I was asked for our list of civic involvement, it was kind of a surprise at how full and diverse the list is. A lot of things we forgot about,” says Connie. “It was an eye opener to go through the file, and it makes us proud to look back.”

In the past two years alone, Performance has been very supportive of their community.

Performance contributes to many area community churches in a variety of ways. Connie says, “We are church people, and know the importance of commitment, faith and support. The ways we support area churches is

as diverse as the churches themselves. By buying the chicken plates and participating in golf tournaments, we are helping area youth ministries and youth mission trips.”

“Supporting local public and private schools is another thing we enjoy doing,” says Connie. “We regularly support athletic programs, field day, participate in the school supply program and much more, based on need.”

According to Connie, “Golf tournaments are popular with many non-profit organizations, so we do our part. It’s the annual sponsorship of a family through the Angel Tree Program that is one of our favorites because it’s during the Christmas season and just feels good.”

A sample of non-profit organizations that Performance has recently supported include:

• Muscular Dystrophy Association • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital • Crippled Children’s Foundation • American Heart Association • Relay for Life with American Cancer Society • Habitat for Humanity • Boy Scouts of America • The Salvation Army - Angel Tree Program • Wilmed Healthcare Foundation • Knights of Columbus • The Kiwanis Club of Wilson

Performance has an ongoing relationship with the American Cancer Society. This is personal because Connie is a breast cancer survivor of six years and her mother-inlaw, Nancy High, is a three year survivor.

According to Connie, “We’ve participated in the Relay, but in October 2014 we decided to do a breast cancer awareness campaign, using the Performance Facebook account. It was so successful that we plan to do this every October.” For every “like” on Facebook in the month of October, Performance Heating and Cooling donates $1 to the American Cancer Society. In 2014, there were over 250 “likes.”

“The one program we are most proud of participating with right now is Homes For Our Troops (see page 12), because it’s a big undertaking. It involves many other businesses, people, and honors a deserving military veteran, and his family, at a time of need.” says Connie.

5 TOP

5

Things Your Air Conditioner Wants You To Know:

1

Water from sprinklers is harsh to your condenser.

Turn sprinkler heads away from the unit to prevent corrosion.

2

Keep trees and bushes from restricting air flow around your equipments. Clean grass clippings from fins.

3

A two-speed system can save you money. In milder temperatures the reduced load can save, on average, 40% of your energy consumption, while not short cycling the maximum capacity of the larger unit. This still offers full dehumidification and doesn’t compromise your comfort.

4

A programmable thermostat is ideal when your home is vacant for an extended period of time. Modifying the temperature just five degrees can yield annual savings.

5

Adding a de-humidistat is a great way to experience additional savings when being gone over the summer.

A de-humidistat only allows your unit to run when the humidity level rises beyond the set temperature (55% is recommended).

It’s Hard to Stop a Trane®

buyer beware: Getting a second opinion

by Suzi Harkola

Before you commit to the first HVAC company that pops up in a directory, be open to several companies. When the first technician reviews your system’s problem, come armed with some Google investigation, a little HVAC knowledge and ask questions.

H

ow many times have you taken your car to get serviced for an oil change, and the mechanic gave you the bad news? Looking you over, wondering if you’re an easy mark . . .No, it’s not a change of oil you need, lady. It’s a change of engine.

Right. See ya . . . Onto the next, and hope that the second mechanic tells the truth.

So it is with the heating and air conditioning industry. A small problem that can be solved with a filter change becomes a huge HVAC installation, according to one company. But, by getting a second opinion, you get the opportunity to learn: First, how not to be taken. Second, a little insight to how your system works.

Before you commit to the first HVAC company that pops up in a directory, be open to several companies. When the first technician reviews your system’s problem, come

armed with some Google investigation, a little HVAC knowledge and ask questions. If the problem seems small enough to fix with a screw driver, and the technician wants to sell you an entire new system, there’s only one word to reply: NEXT.

show your chosen business operates fully and openly in the community.

“On more than one occasion, I’ve had customers call us seeking a second opinion because some other air conditioning contractor told them they needed a whole new system,” says Stuart Batten, the Owner of Performance Heating and Cooling.

“We’d head out to look at their system for them, and sure enough all they need is a small repair. It happens more often than you think.”

Make sure the business has a license.

Ask for a referral from friends or business acquaintances.

Here are some ways to protect you from unscrupulous HVAC companies: Seek companies online, and dive into their websites. Look for testimonials, business affiliations or other organizations that

Look for sites online that review businesses, and see if your chosen business is out there.

You may hit the jackpot with all your homework, but in case you still feel doubt, get a second opinion. Give the details of the first company’s diagnosis, so the second company’s technician will know exactly what to look for. Some companies offer advice free of charge, even if they don’t do the repairs. When one company promises a new system will solve the problem, a second company may dig around and suggest home grown methods to keep

Extreme Conditions testing it running smoothly: Like, a reminder to change out the filters more frequently.

When you seek a second opinion from another service, ask yourself these questions: Can your company save me hundreds of dollars?

Will the first company’s assessment align with the second opinion? If the second is honest, they will tell you the problem can be fixed without excess output.

And if the first company is telling the truth, the second technician’s diagnosis will tell you if the estimate was fairly priced.

If the homeowner enjoys doing home repairs, the technician will assist and offer advice on how to do it right, instead of offering to revamp the whole system. A professional HVAC company reviews your needs and lets you know if you are getting the proper air conditioning system. They’ll let you know if the repair is something you should be able to do yourself.

Above all, a tech from the second opinion considers your budget and works accordingly.

Another plus: If the two companies assess the same problem and come up with the same solutions, you are safe to go with either one. Honesty is the best policy. And a reputable company will allow a sale to go to a competitor, as long as the diagnosis is the most honest information they can deliver.

Honesty may factor into persuading the customer to use that second company’s service down the road.

Every Trane product is designed down to every detail and rigorously tested for reliability and durability.

While other manufacturers build their products from the same “pool” of parts available to anyone, we make it a point to be uniquely better, innovative and always looking to the future.

Understanding

Warranties W

hen you purchased your new air conditioning system, you should have received a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty. This paperwork contains the manufacturer’s terms and conditions for your warranty. If you cannot find your paperwork, please do not hesitate to call our customer service department, and we will be happy to assist you.

Manufacturers are beginning to enforce, with greater regularity, the terms and conditions within your paperwork. These changes may affect you.

• Most manufacturers allow you to trans- fer warranties to the new owner upon the sale of your property for a small fee, and within 30 days of closing.

• Manufacturers are now requiring the use of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. At the moment, there are thousands of possible OEM parts for any of the multiple manufacturers, which makes using and obtaining parts a difficult situation. The effect is that we will no longer be able to use generic truck stock parts. Although these changes are difficult, we make it our priority to bring you comfort as quickly as possible.

• Manufacturers only cover work per- formed during normal business hours.

• Manufacturers now require yearly maintenance by an authorized dealer/ servicer in order to keep a warranty in good standing. If you are not currently having maintenance done on your equipment at least once a year, contact Performance Heating and Cooling as soon as possible.

We want to thank you for choosing Performance Heating and Cooling. If you have any questions related to your warranty, please do not hesitate to call us at 252-399-1100.

DISCOUNTED SERVICES

WHAT ARE Maintenance Agreements?

by Nate Freyburger

Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, saving you money on utility bills. Potential problems can be prevented or corrected early. Additionally, proper servicing extends the life of your heating and air conditioning system.

W

hether you’re installing a new heating and air conditioning system or you’re having an old system repaired, chances are there is a maintenance agreement that would benefit you. These agreements are designed to save consumers money on routine maintenance, while also protecting them from any potential problems.

Maintenance agreements are held between you and an air conditioning service provider, wherein you prepay for maintenance at a discounted rate and receive other additional benefits. They cover routine cleanings and check-ups, and they may help subsidize the cost of massive emergency repairs or offer other savings. Think of them as a peace of mind policy for your system.

One overlooked advantage of a maintenance agreement is that it assures your air conditioning system will get the annual service inspection it needs. These annual tune ups are important, since they allow a professional to spot any potential problems with your system early, before they spiral into something more expensive. Further, an annual maintenance appointment will help to keep your system clean and running efficiently, which could save you money on energy bills.

Many people overlook their air conditioner, ignoring its needs until there’s a serious problem, but as the largest appliance in your home, your heating and air conditioning system needs to be regularly serviced in order to prevent catastrophic issues. If something major goes wrong with your system because you have been neglecting to maintain it, a repair may end up costing you thousands of dollars.

Just remember that some warranties may require regular maintenance. That’s one of the reasons why maintenance agreements exist – to help mitigate the cost associated with regular air conditioning service calls.

Keep in mind that a maintenance agreement is far cheaper than a major system problem caused by a lack of upkeep; having your system routinely serviced could save you big down the line.

Some service agreements extend to the plumbing and electrical wiring in your home, in addition to your HVAC system.

It’s best to check into all the details of any service agreement, and see if any bundle is available that’ll help you save even more of your hard-earned money.

Proper maintenance of your heating and air conditioning equipment is important. It will help keep utility bills low and help prevent costly repairs.

We offer our customers Energy Savings Agreements (ESA). This will provide you with semi-annual preventative maintenance,15% discount on parts, and no overtime charges. It will also entitle you to priority service should the need arise. This agreement is available to all customers regardless of whether the unit was purchased from us or not. There is also a discount for multiple units. For more information on an ESA just call our office or ask any of our Service Technicians.

1 Time Payment - 1 System

$169 $279 $379 $15.00 Monthly Payment

1 Time Payment - 2 Systems

$25.00 Monthly Payment

1 Time Payment - 3 Systems

$35.00 Monthly Payment

THE

POWER

OF A TRANE

252. 399. 1100 • PERFORMANCEHVAC.COM

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