An HVAC system is a significant investment in your indoor home comfort, and it makes good sense to hire a competent person to work on your heating and cooling equipment. Much like your car, an HVAC system is complex; it has electronic, electrical, and moving mechanical components, and you wouldn’t let just anyone work on your car. Hiring a certified and licensed contractor to work on your HVAC system is a great start, but how do you know you have the right contractor to work in your home? In this article, we will look at seven key qualities that you should look for when you hire an HVAC contractor.
The Importance of Advance Research
When your HVAC system fails, it always seems to occur at the worst possible time, and your indoor comfort will be impaired. For this reason, it’s a good idea to find out which HVAC contractor you want to use in advance. This takes all the guesswork out of an already stressful situation, and you have your preferred HVAC contractor’s number to ring. Take some time to look at what other people in your neighborhood are saying and check out some referrals. If you can get a personal referral from someone you trust, that is worth a lot more than an anonymous review online. That being said, there are a lot of ways to check up on a company online, such as Home Advisor, TrustPilot, and the BBB.
- A Professional Manner
When an HVAC contractor shows up at your door, you cannot expect them to be wearing a suit and tie. But, they should still exhibit professionalism and take a great deal of pride in their work. You should expect your HVAC contractor to turn up on time or very close to that time slot, and if they have been delayed, you should get a call. The best HVAC contractors are courteous, respectful, and keen to ensure that their customers are happy with their work. If you don’t feel happy about the service you’re receiving, it’s time to switch to a different local HVAC contractor.
- HVAC Licensing
Many homeowners hire local “handymen” to work on their HVAC system in order to “save money.” But, this is a flawed approach; working on HVAC equipment is a delicate and potentially dangerous task best left to trained and licensed professionals. Don’t consider hiring any HVAC company that isn’t licensed and check that their paperwork is up to date. This will demonstrate that the HVAC company is legitimate and that they are in good standing with the state.
- Good Time Keeping
Every good HVAC contractor should make an effort to arrive on time and work in a time efficient manner. This applies equally to inspections, maintenance, and repairs. If you’re finding that you need to keep calling the company and you don’t get a reply in a timely fashion, this is a bad sign. Every business should value their customers, and lack of communication is a sure fire way to lose trust. The best HVAC contractors will get back to you promptly, if there is a problem they will keep you updated and make every effort to get things back on track quickly.
- Plenty of Experience
When you hire an HVAC contractor, you need to be confident that they have the experience and knowledge to work on your heating and cooling equipment. Sometimes it simply isn’t possible to get the job done right the first time because HVAC systems are complex. But, this should be the exception, in the majority of cases you shouldn’t need a return visit. The work must be completed to a high standard, and this can only be achieved if the technicians are well trained. The best HVAC contractors are happy to answer questions about their work. So, ask them about their levels of HVAC education and how much experience they have in the industry.
- Adequate Insurance
Every state has it’s own insurance requirements for contractors operating there. The HVAC contractor must be compliant with these regulations, and that includes having adequate levels of insurance cover. Always ask the technician to show you some proof of their insurance before they start work to protect yourself. This is another key reason why you shouldn’t hire a “handyman” to work on your HVAC system. If something goes wrong, you will be left to foot the bill, and your phone calls are likely to go unanswered. Always use a licensed HVAC contractor with full insurance cover and settle for nothing less.
- Fair Pricing
If you need some major work on your home, it’s always a great idea to get a written estimate first. This is equally applicable to an HVAC system if you need a major repair, or you’re installing a new system in your home. Always get at least three estimates, avoid estimates that are too high or too low. The HVAC contractor that offers fair pricing is usually in the middle of the pack. They value the service they provide, and yet they are not out to rip the customer off with higher than usual prices.
- Pay Attention to Warning Signs
Like any industry, there are some less than savory HVAC contractors to avoid, and it makes good sense to pay attention to warning signs. First, no HVAC contractor should ever ask you to pay a large sum of money up front. If the technician is hassling you and you feel pressured to sign a contract, simply walk away. As we mentioned above, you should insist on a written estimate before any major work is undertaken in your home. If you are having trouble communicating with a potential contractor at an early stage, it’s time to look elsewhere. An HVAC contractor that acts in this manner may be hard to find if something goes wrong later.
If you need a local licensed HVAC contractor with plenty of experience to work on your system, get in touch today.