How to Choose an HVAC Contractor

If your HVAC system is ten years old or above, you might be considering a replacement soon. Or if your HVAC system is newer, you want to make it a point to keep it running optimally by giving it at least a regular annual check. Either way, at some point or another, you will need an HVAC contractor's services. Below are five areas to focus on as you hire one:

Licensing, Insurance, and Experience

Besides a license, they should also be able to hold a certain level of bonding and insurance. Insurance serves to protect you should there be injury or accidental damage. Check out also about furnace replacement.

Research the contractor's experience as well. Longevity alone is not a sure sign of a contractor's abilities, but stability in the industry is an indication that they are on the right track. Moreover, see about their certifications, if any - both the contractor's and their technicians'. Certification through organizations like the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) helps you ensure that their education and experience are current.

Technicians nowadays are also expected to have training in testing and balancing installations for maximum comfort and efficiency, where the gold standard is an air balancing certification provided by the National Comfort Institute. Furthermore, see if the contractor carries top brands, and whether or not their technicians have special training for these. Considering that every system/manufacturer is unique, a technician needs to have specific training to guarantee optimal servicing or installation.

Case Evaluation

Contractors should provide an exhaustive home evaluation to be able to recommend the best heating and cooling solution. After this, the contractor should give you a detailed report that includes a detailed estimate, allowing you to compare costs, warranties, and energy efficiency with other contractors' estimates.

References and Referrals

This is actually among the most helpful steps you can take when searching for the right HVAC contractor. Calling references means knowing such things as whether the contractor completed the project on time and on budget, or whether they did a clean installation and had respect for the homeowner's property, and so on. Find out whether there are complaints against the company filed with the Better Business Bureau. Check out online customer reviews and ratings too, but remember that many of them are fabricated. Stay within consumer-oriented websites for credible testimonials.

Finally, ask friends, neighbors or colleagues for referrals. Local trade organizations can also give you some leads, and so with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. Look also for the best hot water tanks.

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