Selecting an HVAC contractor is an important decision that you shouldn’t make without doing some homework to be sure you’re making the correct choice.
First, find a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and then listen to you. With that tidbit, they should be able to show you up to four options from which you can pick.
When they set up your installation, is it when you want to have it done, or when they can get to it? 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 variety of areas, from load calculation to piping and quite a few steps in between. You could get the best system, but if it’s installed incorrectly you may not get ideal performance.
Here are a couple other questions to help you make the best choice while searching for your HVAC contractor.
Do they have NATE-Certification?
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 authorities. 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 completed intense professional training.
Do you have access to 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 them to you.
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 provide referrals for previous work.
Another route 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 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 reliable work for you too.
Have you verified 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 gathering 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 better 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 happens to your system. Get your furnace looked at while it’s operating as usual and arrange your yearly maintenance.
Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Air Service Co. in Muldrow. Our HVAC experts would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 918-212-8943. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.
