10 Tips For Hiring An HVAC Contractor
Many HVAC companies claim to have your best interest in mind and talk about their service, but do they all deliver on those claims? Are they consistently there for you when things go wrong with your equipment? Do clients and customers give them stellar reviews?
When you’re on the lookout for a company to install a heating system, fix a broken-down air conditioner, or give you advice or answer questions, you want a HVAC company that you can trust.
How Do You Know You’ve Found The Best HVAC Contractor?
1) Research
Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state. Know the model of your current system and its maintenance history before you call. HVAC installation and services are complicated procedures and technicians should be knowledgeable. Make sure that you note any places in your home that might vary in temperature or humidity levels. This will help technicians target your comfort goals.
2) Ask for recommendations from friends and family
Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for professional referrals. Someone they have used successfully is a great way to narrow down your search and to hear directly from a person you trust on their experience.
3) Ask For References
Ask contractors for customer references and call them. Be sure to ask about the contractor’s installation or service performance, and if the job was completed on time and within the budget that was presented from the beginning.
4) Look for Special Offers
A heating and cooling system is one of the largest home investments that a homeowner will make. Keep your costs down by checking for available rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment. Use a contractor that is familiar with rebates available with specified equipment purchases.
5) Look for ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings. Good contractors will be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment.
6) Expect a Full Home Inspection
Find a contractor that offers a comprehensive approach to establishing solutions for heating and cooling systems. A bigger system isn’t always better. A knowledgeable contractor will advise you on the best heating and cooling system based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows. They will also inspect your duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and measure airflow to make sure it meets manufacturers specifications.
7) Get Itemized Estimates in Writing
When comparing contractors’ proposals, it is critical to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. The lowest price may not be the best deal. If it’s not the most efficient unit, your energy costs will be higher throughout the life of the system.
8) Get it in ink
Sign a written proposal with a contractor before any work gets started. This will protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.
9) Extensive HVAC Knowledge
Trustworthy contractors who have been trained to a high standard are willing to answer any questions you may have about experience and their HVAC education.
10) Get the ENERGY STAR Guide
For complete information on keeping your home comfortable year-round, read the ENERGY STAR guide here.
Be sure to tell friends and family about ENERGY STAR. Almost one-quarter of households knowingly purchased at least one qualified product last year, and 71% of those consumers say they would recommend ENERGY STAR to a friend. Spread the word, and we can all make a big difference.
Wrapping It Up
When you’re spending your hard-earned dollars on any type of HVAC work, you want to have confidence that the technicians you hire have the expertise on to get the job done right, the first time. This is why you choose us as your trusted HVAC expert.