Choosing an HVAC contractor is an important decision that you shouldn’t make without doing some research to make certain you’re making the correct choice.
First, find a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and more important, listen to you. With that tidbit, they should be able to offer up to four options from which you can pick.
When they schedule your installation, is it when you wish to have it done, or when they can squeeze you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will ensure it meets all of your local codes.
HVAC system installation is not a do-it-yourself affair and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in a variety of areas, from load calculation to piping and a lot of steps in between. You could get the top-of-the-line system, but if it’s installed incorrectly you may not get ideal performance.
Here are a few other questions to help you make the best selection while searching for your HVAC contractor.
Are they NATE-certified?
NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and specialized tests developed by a committee of industry experts. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will give you peace of mind knowing your contractor has undergone rigorous professional training.
Can they provide references or referrals?
A professional HVAC company will be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can refer to and confirm the quality of their company’s work. Chat with their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend the company.
There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to check out the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll have the ability to see any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a nonprofit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be dedicated to their profession and will be able to offer referrals for previous work.
Another route is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are normally the most beneficial recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to check out and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors rely upon positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust backs them it’s likely they’ll do good work for you too.
Are they properly licensed and insured?
Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but practically all of them do. It’s easy to search online to find out if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when receiving quotes from a contractor. The reason most states require licenses is simply to protect you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.
If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably in your interest to look elsewhere to help circumvent any potential problems.
When do I bring up these questions?
The best time to ask questions and find an HVAC contractor is right now, before something goes wrong with your system. Get your furnace inspected while it’s running normally and arrange your yearly maintenance.
Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces in Alliance. Our HVAC experts would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 308-762-1613. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.