Picking an HVAC contractor is an important decision that shouldn’t be made without doing some homework to make sure you’re making the correct choice.
First, choose a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and listen to you. With that tidbit, they should be able to offer up to four options from which you can select.
When they schedule 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 a do-it-yourself affair, and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in many areas, from load calculation to piping and quite a few steps in between. You could get the top-of-the-line 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 researching your HVAC contractor.
Are they NATE-certified?
NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest non-profit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have demonstrated 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 provide you peace of mind knowing your contractor has undergone intense professional training.
Do they have references or referrals?
A professional HVAC company will be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can talk 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 non-profit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be serious about their profession 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 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 ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors rely upon positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust recommends 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 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 in your interest to look elsewhere to help avoid any potential concerns.
When is the best time to ask these questions?
The best time to ask questions and choose an HVAC contractor is right now before something goes wrong with your system. Get your furnace looked at while it’s running normally and schedule your annual maintenance.
Your family’s health, comfort, and safety are our business at Air Houston Mechanical LLC in Huffman. Our HVAC pros would be happy to answer any of your questions. Call us at (832) 957-9332. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.
