How do I select a contractor?
In selecting a heating and air conditioning contractor, ask the following questions:
 1. How long have they been in business?
 2. Do they employ Engineers, Virginia Master Certificated (HVAC, Gas Fitter, Plumber, and Electrical)
Technicians and certified factory-trained technicians?
 3. Are they bonded and insured?
 4. Do they handle several reputable manufacturers?
 5. Do they have in-stock inventory?
 6. Are they a full service contractor?
 7. Are they fully licensed to do all of the work themselves?
 8. Are they competitively priced?
 9. Do they offer emergency service?
10. Do they offer maintenance agreements?
11. Can I just replace the heat pump outdoor section on an older system to save money?
12. What is the average life expectancy of equipment?
13. Why should I purchase a Maintenance agreement?
14. Should I be concerned about Carbon Monoxide in my home?
15. Should I replace or repair my equipment?
16. Should I have my ducts cleaned?
17. How can I reduce allergens and increase humidity in my home?
18. How will the new environment friendly refrigerant affect me?
19. What does SEER and HSPF mean to me?
1. How long have they been in business?
Ronnie Outlaw, LC was founded in 1995. Since then, the company has changed the way we do business to what has become the most comfortable company to do business with.
2. Do they employ Engineers, Virginia Master Certificated (HVAC, Gas Fitter, Plumber, and Electrical) Technicians and certified factory-trained technicians?
With Ronnie Outlaw, LC. "when you call me, you get me." I have been trained by all of the major manufacturers that do business in the metropolitan Northern Virginia area. Further I must go through continuing education to maintain my certifications.
3. Are they bonded and insured?
We are completely covered for the type work we perform and then some.
4. Do they handle several reputable manufacturers?
Ronnie Outlaw, LC. carries the most reliable products of several reputable manufacturers to provide you with lasting quality.
5. Do they have in-stock inventory?
Ronnie Outlaw, LC is well stocked with the most needed parts so that I have them right at hand on the job site. We continually update and change what we carry due to changes in failure types encountered.
6. Are they a full service contractor?
Ronnie Outlaw, LC. is a full service contractor. However, I have chosen to limit my work to primarily service and repair. Many of my customers have turned to me because they had been with other companies that would send out a technician and each and every time, the technician would advise them to replace their equipment. Sometimes I do advise people to replace and during the busiest times I may then recommend a reputable installing contractor to fulfill that need.
7. Are they fully licensed to do all of the work themselves?
Ronnie Outlaw, LC. are registered with the Virginia Board for Contractors, we hold a Class “B” License and have the classifications attached thereto, Commercial Improvement, Home Improvement, HVAC, Plumbing, Gas Fitting, and Electrical. We can do all of the work required to complete your service without waiting on someone else to get out of our way.
8. Are they competitively priced?
Ronnie Outlaw, LC. is competitive in our market using flat rate service pricing to ensure no surprises when servicing my customers' equipment. Some jobs require time and material pricing but you will be advised up front for your approval prior to the commencement of any work.
9. Do they offer emergency service?
I do.
10. Yes I do.

Ronnie Outlaw, LC. provides a Maintenance Agreement that includes a very thorough annual inspection of your heating and cooling equipment. This Agreement is certain to meet your needs and provide you peace of mind.

Our inspection includes the following checks: 22 items as they apply to your particular piece of equipment.

Thermostat, Clean Filters, Proper Voltage, Electrical Connections, Fan & Limit Switch, Contactors & Relays, Electric Strip Heaters, Gas Burners, Gas usage, Heat Exchanger, Safety of System, Venting system, Blower Assembly, Pulleys & Belts, Motors & Lubrication, Vibration Noise, Cleanliness of Indoor Coil, Condensate Drain, Cleanliness of Condenser Coil, Visible Leaks, Proper Refrigerant, Total Airflow./p>

11. Can I just replace the heat pump outdoor section on an older system to save money?
No. Replacing only the outdoor unit lower the efficiency, capacity, and serviceability of the unit. All major manufacturers void warranties if the equipment is not properly matched (Outdoor sections and Indoor Coils). Contractors that suggest only replacing the outdoor section without providing the engineering data as well, are not quality contractors, and are not reputable.
12. What is the average life expectancy of equipment?
Most gas furnaces will last better than twenty years and with proper maintenance could last twice that. Air conditioning equipment also has the same life expectancy as furnaces. Heat pump systems have a lifetime of 15 years or less, but can and do last much longer. Keep in mind that heat pump equipment generally runs year long while furnaces and air conditioners are used only for their respective seasons. If a technician suggests replacement of the equipment in a much shorter time than the expected lifetime, I would be suspect and look for another opinion.
13. Why should I purchase a Maintenance agreement?

Proper care of your equipment is key to keeping operating cost down and reducing they chance for expensive service. All leading manufacturers recommend regular maintenance to maintain peak performance. A service agreement will give you the piece of mind that your system is operating at peak efficiency and performance. Further, maintenance agreement customers get priority service over others should you experience a service problem.

Our inspection includes the following checks: 22 items as they apply to your particular piece of equipment.

Thermostat, Clean Filters, Proper Voltage, Electrical Connections, Fan & Limit Switch, Contactors & Relays, Electric Strip Heaters, Gas Burners, Gas usage, Heat Exchanger, Safety of System, Venting system, Blower Assembly, Pulleys & Belts, Motors & Lubrication, Vibration Noise, Cleanliness of Indoor Coil, Condensate Drain, Cleanliness of Condenser Coil, Visible Leaks, Proper Refrigerant, Total Airflow.

14. Should I be concerned about Carbon Monoxide in my home?
Yes. Each year, carbon monoxide from fuel burning appliances kills more than 200 Americans. Carbon monoxide is a natural by product of fuel burning. When fuel combustion isn't complete, carbon monoxide production is increased. If the mechanical system that was designed for your home to vent these products is somehow ineffective, the carbon monoxide may get into your home. A thorough check of your equipment and the venting system should provide peace of mind. A carbon monoxide detector is a inexpensive and necessary method of provide a safe indoor environment for your family. If you or someone in your home experiences the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, get out of your home and call 911. Read the following CPSC information to get all of the facts. http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/466. A crack in a heat exchanger does not necessarily fill your home with carbon monoxide but should be investigated by a qualified technician and addressed properly.
15. Should I replace or repair my equipment?

There are many considerations when deciding to either replace or repair your heating and cooling system:

Age, Efficiency, General Condition, Ability to properly condition your space, Cost effectiveness and last your financial tie to it (will you be moving soon and therefore not get the benefit) or ability to afford a replacement.

These questions and more must be answered and each situation is unique to each individual, I will take the time to help you answer these questions and get you well on your way to being comfortable again.

16. Should I have my ducts cleaned?
Yes, If you suffer from severe allergies, asthma, or COPD. Mold, mildew, dander, dust mites, dirt, pollen, and even bacteria take up residence in your air ducts. With each breath you take you inhale these contaminants. After having your ducts cleaned you should consider a high efficiency electronic air cleaner to keep the air you breath healthier. Dirty air ducts can sometimes become so bad that you might see dirt coming from your registers this would be another time to have them cleaned. Dirty duct systems cause premature failure of your expensive heating and cooling system. They clog the vanes of your blower, the motor cooling openings, and the fins of your coil. This clogging action reduces the airfow and ultimately costs you in terms of reduced efficiency, increased service calls and premature replacement of equipment. (Much like the failure to replace filters in a timely manner).
17. How can I reduce allergens and increase humidity in my home?

With a high efficiency air cleaner, you can remove up to 99% of the pollen and spores that find their way into the home. There is also a great reduction in smoke, VOC's, odors (with an optional carbon filter) and other air pollutants. Your indoor air will become cleaner and fresher while reducing the allergens and dust that circulate throughout the house. With a whole house humidifier, you can relieve the irritating discomfort of dry indoor air. The humidifier reduces itchy skin, scratchy throats, static electricity, and damage to your furnishings and woodwork. Since humid air feels warmer than dry air, you do not have to set the thermostat as high to feel as comfortable. A lower thermostat setting can be as comfortable and save on your energy bill.

18. How will the new environment friendly refrigerant affect me?
The 1990 Clean Air Act and the internationally binding Montreal Protocol calls for an international phase out on future manufacturing of the refrigerant R-22, which is currently used in most air conditioning and heat pump systems. By 2012 the production of new R-22 will be cut in half and manufacturers will no longer produce equipment that uses it. There will still be enough produced to service the existing equipment. Costs for this refrigerant has been rising but no more than the new replacement of chlorine free R-410a refrigerant(for equipment designed to use it). There are also some "drop in" replacements for R-22 that are also as expensive as the others. The new R-410a refrigerant will have no adverse effects on you or the environment whatsoever provided it is used as designed.
19. What does SEER and HSPF mean to me?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the measure of efficiency by which the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps is rated. The higher the SEER number, the greater the efficiency. Today (January 23, 2008), the U.S. department of Energy requires that new models must have a 13.0 SEER rating or better. Most major manufacturers offer a line of air conditioners and heat pumps that range from 13.0 SEER to 19.0 SEER. Lesser rated equipment can obtain the required 13 SEER by mix matching and the use of add on devices. This practice is sound but must be tempered with the proper application and not all matches are effective in this part of the country. Use caution when purchasing replacement equipment, the number that you may be buying could well be the wrong thing for your home.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is the efficiency measurement used to gauge the efficiency of the heating mode of heat pumps. Today's models are required to have a minimum 7.7 HSPF. Most major manufactures offer heat pumps with HSPF ratings ranging from 7.7 to 10.2

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Phone: (703) 220-5628     Fax: (703) 931-2062
Arlington, VA