Picking an HVAC contractor is an important decision that shouldn’t be made without doing some homework to be sure you’re making the best choice.
First, choose a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and actually listen to you. With that noted, they should be able to present up to four options from which you can pick.
When they schedule your installation, is it when you want it done, or when they can squeeze you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will make sure that it meets all of your local codes.
HVAC system installation is not a DIY job and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in a variety of areas, from load calculation to piping and quite a few steps in between. You could get the highest rated system, but if it’s installed incorrectly you may not get the best performance.
Here are some 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 proven their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and specialized tests designed by a committee of industry experts. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will provide 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 chat with and tell you about the quality of their company’s work. Talk to 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 look at 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 work and will be able to give referrals for previous work.
Another way is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are usually the most valuable recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk with and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors count on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust recommends them it’s likely they’ll do great 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 determine if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when getting quotes from a contractor. The reason a lot of states require licenses is simply to keep 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 avoid any potential problems.
When should you ask about these questions?
The best time to ask questions and pick an HVAC contractor is right now, before something happens to your system. Get your furnace looked at while it’s operating properly and set up your annual maintenance.
Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Hodgenville. Our HVAC pros would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 270-358-3167. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.
