Whether you need someone to come and give your HVAC system a checkup or your furnace or air conditioner has broken down completely, hiring an HVAC company that can diagnose and repair the issue quickly is extremely important. You can help yourself when you are calling to different companies around town if you know in advance what you are looking for. Here are 5 items to check off your checklist as you are looking for a qualified HVAC contractor.
Has a Good Local Reputation
There are many fly-by-night companies. We encourage you to look for a company that has a long-standing reputation in the local area to help you. This way you know that the company stands behind their work and will not do a shoddy job and then skip out on you.
Licensed and Insured
Make sure the company you work with has an up-to-date license and insurance, including workers’ compensation insurance. This will protect you from liability in the event that the contractor or one of his or her staff is injured while working on the job. An up-to-date license shows you that the company is in good standing with the local city and state government.
Gives Estimates in Person
Be very wary of any service provider who tries to give you an estimate over the phone, sight unseen. You might think you know what the problem is, but your idea of the issue might be just that–an idea. Be sure that when you are collecting estimates and trying to find the right contractor that the company offers to come out and take a look in person.
Provides the Best Value
With HVAC repair and maintenance, as with anything else, you are likely to get just what you pay for. Do not choose your contractor based solely on the price that they offer you for the service. Instead, make sure that you are looking at all of the qualities they have and what they offer compared to other companies you are researching.
Knowledgeable about Equipment
Last but not least, make sure any HVAC contractor doing work at your home is knowledgeable about equipment and can provide solid recommendations as to what equipment you should be using, what you should be doing to keep it running in good condition, and what might not be working with your current system. Having the right size of units such as your furnace, water heater, and air conditioner is essential to prevent damage to the appliance itself and also to your home, so be sure that you use the right contractor to tell you if you are using appropriate equipment.
