Your HVAC contractor is an integral part of ensuring the comfort and safety of your home. Without an efficiently operating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, your family’s health could be jeopardized.
Not all HVAC contractors have the same depth and breadth of experience. It is important that you select a contractor who is capable and a professional. Here are five essential tips on how to choose an HVAC contractor.
1. State Requirements
One of your first steps to selecting an HVAC contractor is to check on what your state requires for certifications, licenses, and insurance coverage. You want to contract with a professional HVAC technician.
Start by checking with your state licensing board. HVAC contractors should prominently display the licenses that their technicians have earned. Additionally, there are a number of national certifications that many experienced HVAC technicians will have attained. Without these licenses and certifications, you will not know what your contractor can safely accomplish.
2. Recommendations, Referrals, and References
The three Rs are your next steps. You can begin by asking family, friends, and coworkers for the name of the HVAC contractor that they use. Be sure to find out if they were completely satisfied with all aspects of the contractor’s and their employees’ performance.
Check online for any feedback that customers have posted. You are looking for a trend in their online ratings and posted comments.
Ask the HVAC contractor for referrals of some of their current customers. Give the customers a call, and ask questions.
3. Scope of Services
Not all HVAC contactors can perform all jobs. Before you hire any contractor or sign a contract, make sure that the contractor can meet your needs. List all the work that you need a contractor to complete. You might need a complete system design. In addition, you might require wiring of the unit. If you need heating and cooling, one contractor who can successfully work on both would be another factor for you to consider.
4. Experience
Hiring a contractor whose employees have a mix of experience is ideal. You want HVAC technicians who have had the most current training to collaborate with other technicians who have installed and maintained a variety of HVAC systems. While it can be tempting to choose the lowest bidder, before you do so, make sure that they have an experienced team for your job. If you are installing a unit that is new to the market, ask if the contractor will be bringing in technicians from the manufacturer for support.
5. Home Evaluation
Your HVAC contractor should perform a thorough evaluation of your home. A thorough assessment of your needs must be completed before you select a contractor. Components of your home that should be part of their assessment include the size of your home, its age, energy efficacy of your windows, and a measurement of the R-value of your home’s insulation.
All estimates should be itemized and in writing. Energy efficiency and the terms of the warranty should be detailed as well.
