7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC contractor
No doubt, your HVAC has seen you through some freezing cold winters and searing hot summers. Sadly, HVACs don’t last forever, and like any machine, they are bound to have a couple of issues over time. That’s why it’s so important to hire an HVAC contractor to maintain, service, and repair your HVAC.
When your HVAC is beyond repair, the HVAC contractor replaces the broken HVAC with a new one. HVAC installations and replacements are where you really have to be careful with your choice of contractor. That’s because should the contractor install the wrong size HVAC, you’re in for steep energy bills for the next few years.
However, you can avoid this if you ask the right questions before signing any papers. In this piece, we’ll highlight seven crucial questions any homeowner should ask before opting for an HVAC contractor.
1. What Is Your Experience in the HVAC Industry?
Find out how long the contractor’s company has been in the industry. You can be confident in the contractor’s capability to handle your issue if they have a long history dealing with HVAC systems. If the company is relatively new, you might want to tread softly and look at more customer reviews.
Also, ask if they have experience with your HVAC brand or whether they’ve dealt with similar issues in the past. You can also inquire about how the technicians learned their skills to find out whether they are up to the task.
2. What Type of Licensing and Insurance Do You Have?
All HVAC companies need to have licenses, as is required by the state. Apart from a valid license, they also need to have proper insurance. So that in case something goes wrong, you’re not liable for the incident.
To ensure your contractor has an authentic license, ask for a license number. Then you can go look up the license number from the state licensing board to confirm the license’s authenticity. If your contractor doesn’t have either a license or proper insurance, then you’re better off with another HVAC contractor.
3. Can I See Your Certificates?
You have a right to inquire about the contractor’s certificates. They should, at the very least, give you information about their certificates if they can’t let you see them.
These certificates give you an idea of the type of company you’re dealing with. An EPA certificate is mandatory for companies who work with refrigerants for HVAC systems.
If you find a contractor with a NATE certificate, then you’ve hit the jackpot. The NATE certificate indicates a high level of competence and expertise. This certificate isn’t mandatory but is a nice bonus for the contractor.
4. Do They Have Any References?
If a contractor is reluctant to give you a list of references, then that’s a definite red flag. Any HVAC company worth its name will happily give you a couple of references so you can hear their quality of service from the horse’s mouth.
If the contractor can furnish you with an entire list of references, the better it is for you. That way, you can choose a random name from the list, contact the person, and inquire about the HVAC contractor’s services. The response you get will determine whether you should go ahead with the contractor or find another one.
5. Can You Perform an Entire House Energy Analysis?
A comprehensive energy analysis of the entire house determines the most energy-efficient HVAC solution for your home. Sometimes it’s not enough just replacing the old HVAC with the exact same one. The right HVAC company goes the extra mile to ensure the system you get operates at optimal efficiency.
This analysis takes consideration of all factors that affect the efficiency of your HVAC. Everything from the size of the house, the insulation, and even the local weather conditions. So make sure you get an actual energy analysis and not just one on paper.
6. Do They Conduct Ductwork Inspection
Your ductwork could be the reason for most of the issues with your HVAC. The ductwork facilitates all the heating and cooling in your home. So if it’s compromised, then it means that the entire system isn’t working as it should.
Ducts that travel through unconditioned rooms like the garage or basements need proper insulation. If not, they can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC by quite a significant margin. Leaks in the ductwork also do the same, so the contractor should inspect for any leaks and address them
In case of any disconnects, kinks, or constrained ducts, the company will also look into it. This ensures that there’s a free flow of air through the ducts for maximum efficiency and proper heating and cooling.
If the contractor can offer thorough ductwork inspection, then you have the right company in your hands.
7. What Should I Do to Keep My HVAC in Great Shape?
A good HVAC contractor will always give you tips on the best maintenance practice for the longevity of your HVAC. These tips should sound professional and have actual scientific backing to them. The contractor shouldn’t charge you for such information unless you agree beforehand.
If a contractor can give you valuable information on maintaining your HVAC, then you have a contractor you can count on. Just ensure you take everything to heart and follow the advice accordingly.
Don’t Take Chances With Your HVAC Contractor
There’s much you stand to lose if you settle for a subpar HVAC contractor. That’s why it’s so important to ask these questions, even if you think you’ve found the right contractor. You’d be surprised that your contractor isn’t as great as you initially thought.
Also, make sure you leave the repairs and servicing to the professionals. Trying to do them yourself rarely ends well.
For professional and expedient HVAC services, contact us today, and we’ll sort you out.