Ten Tips For Choosing The Right HVAC Contractor!
Choosing the right contractor to install your HVAC is just as important as buying the best system for your home. You might have purchased the best air conditioning and heating system available, but if it is poorly installed you will have problems in the years ahead.
To illustrate, this can mean the difference between an installation that goes smoothly and provides years of trouble-free comfort and one that winds up costing you thousands in wasted money and aggravation. So, to ensure you find the best contractor, you will need to conduct some research and do your homework. Your goal isn’t to become a technical expert, but you want to learn enough to ask the right questions and evaluate the answers.
Before rendering a final decision make sure to ask these 10 basic questions:
How Long Has The Company Been In Business?
You need to make sure that any contractor you do business with has proven themselves in the past, and will be there if you need them in the future. Don’t just ask the contractor if they are stable; look for tangible proof of longevity and financial stability by asking for the items we will discuss in this article.
Is The Company A Member In Good Standing With The BBB?
Any reputable contractor will be an active member of the Better Business Bureau. Companies that aren’t members of their local BBB are almost surely trying to hide past unresolved complaints.
Are The Contractors Licensed?
Before even considering whether a particular contactor should be hired to install your HVAC system, check if they are licensed in your area. If they are not, then they should not be hired.
Does The Contractor have Accreditation?
If the contractor is reputable they should have accreditation. If they do not have recent accreditation then they should not be considered.
Does The Company Have Adequate Liability Insurance And Proof Of It?
Even with a licensed contractor things could go wrong while installing your HVAC system, so check whether he is covered by liability insurance and ask for proof. This will protect you if your home is damaged during the installation.
Is The Contractor Prepared To Listen?
The contractor may be highly skilled and knowledgeable, but they should still be prepared to listen to any concerns you might have. For instance, you might have a room which is always cold. Tell him about it and ask what solutions they can suggest.
Does The Contractor Offer Up-Front Pricing?
There is nothing worse than being quoted a price for a job and then finding that it costs much more once it has been completed. It is absolutely essential that the HVAC contractor provides an estimate in writing. He should be asked how long the estimate will be valid for, and that also should be put in writing.
Does The Contractor Conduct Background Checks And Perform Drug Testing?
Make sure that the HVAC technicians who install your system are background checked and drug tested as they will be in your home and on your property for several hours. You need to feel safe and assured that no problems will arise.
Does the Contractor Offer A Warranty?
It is always best to ask a contractor if the installation will be covered by warranty, and if so, for how long, and does it include material and labor. It is also wise to check whether they offer a maintenance package as well.
Does The Contractor Have References?
No HVAC contractor will admit to having carried out poor work or being bad at his trade, so before hiring him, ask for references. It is always best to ask for a minimum of three. The references should include names and telephone numbers, allowing you to ring the contractor’s past customers to see if they were happy with his work also ask when the work was done, last week last year this will give you an idea how long they have been in business.
It’s been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! When the stakes are high—your home and your wallet—that saying is even more true. We hope that by reading these quick tips you feel more prepared to evaluate home improvement contractors and make the best decision for you and your family.
Contact Horizon Services
If you are ready to install or replace a heating and air conditioning system our friendly and experienced team of Comfort Specialists can help. They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget.
For more information, visit our Installation and Replacement section!
