CUSTOMER SERVICES
What is HVAC?
HVAC is an abbreviation for
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
and commonly refers to both heating and air
conditioning contractors.
What is SelectHVAC?
SELECTHVAC is a
comprehensive program that helps customers
get the most comfortable and properly
installed system. It is a voluntary program
that is open to all privately- and/or
independently-owned heating and cooling
contractors.
What qualifies a contractor
as a SelectHVAC contractor?
These contractors have
attended training courses sponsored by
SMECO and possess the appropriate Maryland
HVAC license and insurance. They have taken
the Industry Competency Exam and have
training in equipment sizing, duct design,
and installation.
Are there any utility
rebates with the program?
No. As a matter of fact,
utilities across the state have ended their
rebate programs.
Why should I use a
SelectHVAC contractor?
For your comfort and
satisfaction. Because SMECO has provided
special training and testing, and has put
together installation guidelines for the
contractors to follow, you can be sure you
are getting the best in a heating and
cooling system. SMECO has found over the
years that many homeowners have not been
satisfied with the heating and cooling
system they have purchased. Many times the
homeowner thought he was getting a
top-of-the-line installation only to find
out later that his system did not meet his
expectations. The SELECTHVAC program helps
homeowners determine what level of quality
they wish to purchase.
What is a Performance
Contract Installation?
A Performance Contract
Installation follows SMECO’s SELECT
guidelines and is registered with SMECO.
Customers who request a Performance
Contract Installation from a SELECTHVAC
contractor should receive a copy of the
SELECTHVAC registration form. The
registration form is submitted to SMECO to
protect the customer and to verify the
contractor’s work.
Does a Performance Contract
Installation cost more?
It will depend on the
contractor, but more than likely, yes. The
reason is that the contractor is required
to do more work than what is customary. The
contractor will perform a Manual J sizing
calculation, proper duct design and
installation, proper system commission,
check air flow at each register, and
complete checklists to make sure nothing is
forgotten. National industry standards
indicate that, by following procedures like
these, the greatest amount of comfort and
efficiency will be achieved by any type of
system.
What if I choose a
SelectHVAC Contractor and I am not
satisfied with the work?
First make sure you are
getting a Performance Contract Installation
and that you get a copy of the SELECTHVAC
Installation form from the contractor.
Having the contractor follow the guidelines
of the program is your best assurance of
being satisfied. If, however, you do have a
problem, SELECTHVAC contractors are
committed to correcting problems, and SMECO
will also be available to answer questions
or follow up if necessary.
Can I choose a SelectHVAC
contractor and not get a Performance
Contract Installation?
Yes, you may decide to use a
SelectHVAC contractor, but not have your
equipment installed to the Select
Guidelines. If you do not choose the
Performance Contract Installation, your
equipment installation will not be
registered with SMECO.
Do I have to install a heat
pump?
No, any central forced air
system is eligible including natural gas,
oil, and propane.
Are there any minimum
efficiency levels?
No, however, for most
homeowners, going to a higher efficiency
unit is a good deal because it will save
them money over the life of the equipment.
Plus, higher efficiency equipment (like
ENERGY STAR-labeled products) benefits
everyone because it helps to reduce
pollution and save the environment. Also,
studies have conclusively shown that a
10-SEER system can be much more efficient
when properly installed with tight,
insulated ductwork than a 12-SEER system
installed with poor ductwork. The
SelectHVAC program helps make sure that the
whole HVAC system is operating as
efficiently as possible.
Are there any inspections
with the program?
SMECO will perform random
inspections and can inspect equipment if
requested by a homeowner.
Do SelectHVAC contractors
install equipment in both new homes and
existing homes?
Yes, they can. However, the
SELECTHVAC program focuses on existing
homes and SMECO’s ENERGY
STAR program specifically addresses new
home construction.
 SelectHVAC
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