How and Why to Choose the Right HVAC Contractor
When you need your HVAC unit installed, maintained, or repaired, you must ensure the technician you hire can sufficiently handle the project. Let’s look at some proactive tips for how and why to hire the right HVAC contractor.
Ask About Training
Before you hire a professional for cooling or heating services, ask about the training the business provides to its technicians. Do the technicians receive formal training at a vocational college, or do they receive on-the-job training?
Check for Licensing and Certifications
Check what licensing and certifications the contractor has. You may feel more confident hiring HVAC technicians with NATE certification. The North American Technician Excellence certification is awarded to technicians who have a high degree of knowledge and experience in the HVAC field.
Verify Insurance and Bonding
Contractor insurance and bonding mitigate your liability in case of an accident or damage to your home or property. You should verify that an HVAC contractor has both.
Ask for References and Read Reviews
Learn what the contractor’s referrals have to say about the service and read online reviews. Testimonials from real customers will give you an idea about what kind of experience you may have and how the company responds not only to praise, but to potential complaints.
Consider the Contractor’s Experience
You also need to ensure the contractor has sufficient experience, particularly when it comes to working on a building and HVAC system like yours.
Verify the Better Business Bureau Rating
The contractor’s Better Business Bureau rating can also give you a clue about how the HVAC company operates and how it addresses customer complaints.
Get Multiple Quotes
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, get multiple quotes to ensure you choose one that can give you the best value for your money. Avoid contractors that appear to be inflating prices above industry standards.
Verify Communication
How will the contractor communicate with you after you hire them? Verify if the company and its technicians will communicate using email, text, phone calls, in writing, or with in-person meetings.
Learn about the Service Offerings
What good is it to hire an HVAC contractor if the business does not provide the service you need? Make sure any companies you consider can handle your project, whether it’s AC repair or heat pump installation.
Learn about Maintenance Plans
You can also find out what maintenance plans a company offers. A maintenance plan can help protect your HVAC system’s lifespan and give you more value for your dollar.
Check for Specializations
Discover what, if any, specializations the contractor has. This information can be useful if you want a specialized system like a mini-split or zoned system installed in your home.
Learn about HVAC Brand Offerings
If you prefer an HVAC system from a particular brand, make sure the contractor offers it. You could avoid having to go with another brand when you prefer the one you originally had in mind.
Ensure Price Transparency
Ask about pricing and what kinds of details will be on your final bill. This tip ensures you can avoid surprising fees or costs the contractor failed to disclose to you when you hired them.
Verify Local Code Knowledge
You need to ensure the contractor knows what the local codes are and if they apply to your project. This measure can ensure you avoid putting money and time into something that could result in a fine or not passing a code inspection.
Look Into Availability
If you want to hire an HVAC service right away, find out how quickly the contractor schedules new customers. This can help you avoid having to wait for several weeks or longer to start your project.
Learn About Energy-efficient Options
If you want to save money on your HVAC use, check into what energy-efficient options the contractor offers. You could choose Energy Star products, for example, that use energy efficiently and save you money on your utility bills.
Find Out About Permits
Ask if the contractor will secure any permits needed for the work or if that responsibility falls on you. Find out how long it takes to secure the permit and how long the permit is good for.
Verify Payment Terms
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, learn what payment options the company accepts. You should also learn how much the contractor will initially require from you to start the work and how much you will need to pay once the project ends.
JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning has provided customers in the Deptford, NJ, area with reliable HVAC options for close to 40 years. We handle both residential and commercial HVAC projects, including new equipment installations, repairs, and maintenance. Our business offers products from leading brands like Lennox. Contact our team to learn more about our HVAC services today.
