Selecting 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 actually listen to you. With that information, they should be able to present up to four options from which you can select.
When they arrange your installation, is it when you want to have it done, or when they can fit 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 something you can do yourself and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in a number of areas, from load calculation to piping and a lot of steps in between. You could get the highest rated system, but if it’s installed incorrectly you may not get top-of-the-line performance.
Here are a few other questions to help you make the best choice while finding 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 rigorous tests designed by a committee of industry professionals. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will offer you peace of mind knowing your contractor has undergone intense professional training.
Do you have access to references or referrals?
A professional HVAC company ought to 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. 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 read the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll be shown 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 committed to their profession and will be able to offer 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 useful recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk to 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.
Do you know if they’re licensed and insured?
Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but almost 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 receiving quotes from a contractor. The reason a lot of states require licenses is simply to guard 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 best to look elsewhere to help get around any potential problems.
When is the best time to ask these questions?
The best time to ask questions and pick an HVAC contractor is right now, before something occurs with your system. Get your furnace inspected while it’s operating properly and schedule your routine maintenance.
Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Central Air LLC in Brookfield. Our HVAC professionals would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 203-357-5913. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.