No matter how expensive equipment you use if you do not have proper maintenance of all these machines you cannot have most out of them and they will die earlier than they should. For that matter finding the best contractor is a must for your successful home construction and renovation project. So, In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive checklist for hiring an HVAC contractor.
For your knowledge, you must know that the right contractor will make sure that you get what you have paid for. That’s why it is very important for you to know what to consider while hiring a local HVAC contractor. When it comes to your beloved home, we know you would be looking for someone who is best in his field after all you don’t want to take any sort of risks right? To get the best for your satisfaction, your first step should be trying to find the possibly best options and not hiring an HVAC contractor to build a house or do anything regarding repairs without even knowing them.
In this case, the best way would be to start with referrals. Obviously, you have to hire someone who is trustworthy because after all you are going to hand over your home and expensive home equipment’s to them, make sure you trust that team and team member with all your valuables. You would be lucky enough if you could find recommendations from your own family and friends, consider yourself halfway done if this is the case. Nevertheless, if no one you know has ever taken over a project of this sort, there is always an option that you can look up reviews on the internet. In this way you would be able to read what past clients have said to make sure, in the end, you are hiring someone who is trustworthy.
You must be aware of the fact that verbal communication means nothing in today’s world and whenever we are doing any legal action or handing over our valuables to someone having all that in writing would save you from getting into a lot of trouble. Having things in written form is one of the major tasks you must do before starting any work after hiring an HVAC contractor. In this written contract, you need to be clear about what they would do, their schedule, costs, payment, insurance, and what would happen if they don’t meet the deadlines that are listed.
Below in this article, we will look at other useful tips for hiring a commercial HVAC contractor that will help you make the right decision.
5 Easy Steps for hiring Licensed HVAC Contractor
We have made a whole checklist before hiring a contractor, and there is also a list of questions that you must ask while hiring an HVAC contractor.
Remember that you are paying for their services, your satisfaction before hiring someone is a must and you should ask as many questions as you want before you take them on board.
Step 1: Check If They Are Really Experienced
Obviously, there are a few jobs that have to be completed by a technician which makes them suitable for the tasks. You should always prefer working with modern and experienced HVAC contractors. As we know that less trained companies may not keep their employees or technicians up to date with the latest and evolving technology. This may become the reason for you to have a fresher or more current design.
Step 2: You Must Check Their Qualifications
Maybe it is in our head that contractors and technicians just have to be experienced and they do not have to be qualified for this work. But the fact is that most reputable contractors are properly certified. Yes, you heard it right.
For your information, the HVAC Excellence is a certification program provided to HVAC technicians that will make sure of their work quality through proper certification and continuing education. You still have to make sure that all of these certifications should be up to date.
You may also find different kinds of qualified technicians through such organizations as:
- ACCA – (Air Conditioning Contractors Association of America)
- NATE – (National Association of Technical Excellence)
- RESNET Energy Smart Contractor
You must be aware that what are your requirements with the contractor and does he have proper certifications according to your needs. Responsibility insurance should also be used to compare technicians to avoid any hassle later. Insurance can always protect your property and workers if anyone gets hurt.
Step 3: Ask Your Technician for Estimates
What if you are getting the best price but it compromises the quality of your work? I don’t think so anybody would want that. You should always ask for estimates from different technicians and compare what each of them is offering at that price. You should always go for that option that is giving you the best quality of work at the least price. You will notice that by the end of the day it will save you money.
Step 4: Check Their References
Not just in this job but it is the case with almost every job that before a person gets hired for an inhouse job, the employer always asks for references. Because you are hiring someone and trusting them with your products that are bought by your hardly earned money you must do the same process, that is to check with their references. It would be great if you find the recommendations through your close friends and family. You may also find some online directories that have a list of companies that are verified as good options.
Step 5: Read Reviews and Testimonies
Before hiring a technician, you should always try to read some reviews from the previous customers of the technicians that you are hiring. You may find these reviews on their respective website. Online directories are also available that may also post reviews for your reference. Good and bad reviews can be the deciding factor for which HVAC technician you may go for.
Questions to ask when hiring a local HVAC contractor
Listed down below are some questions that are directly related to all the tips we have given you for hiring an HVAC contractor.
- How long have you been in the industry?
- How much experience do you have regarding this project we are talking about?
- Do you have a list of past clients or references?
- Do you have a license and insurance?
- When can you start the project? Is there an extended warranty available?
- Do you place a high priority on warranty calls?
- Will your technicians be in a company uniform?
- Can you show me copies of your Worker’s Compensation Insurance?
- Are permits and inspection included?
- Do you provide a 33-point post installation inspection checklist?
- Do you offer a no lemon pledge and guarantee?
- Do you offer a lifetime guarantee on ductwork?
- Do you offer the option to with-hold payment until the job passes final inspection?
- Are there any rebates that I qualify for?
- Do you have an “A” rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Does your company offer and on-going service contract and free maintenance reminders?
- Is your company a member of ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) and the AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute)?
4 Tips to Avoid HVAC Contractor Scams
There are many different kinds of scams that you may put yourself into, some of these might be the contractor is using second-hand parts for your system, overcharging, urgency, sizing, unnecessary inspections, and unnecessary repairs. If you do not follow all the tips that are listed for you to hire a contractor, you may end up getting yourself in trouble. Even if you do follow these instructions still there are chances that you may end up getting into a scam. An HVAC contractor will play a crucial role in your home’s comfort, air quality, and safety. So how would you avoid these scams? Here are some tips.
- You always have to find an experienced provider who is properly trained to deal with your product.
- You have to be sure yourself if you want a repair or a replace? Get multiple opinions from multiple people. You must consider these listed questions.
1. How old is your central air conditioning system?
2. Did you consider your indoor air quality?
3. Do you want a high-efficiency unit?
- You should always check if the company’s reputation is good or not.
- Proper and thorough inspections can avoid unforeseen breakdowns.
