Because your comfort and health depend on your heating and cooling system, it’s important to find a trusted HVAC contractor. These systems are complex, at best, and their performance affects the quality of your comfort and the air you breathe.
Look for these certifications and qualifications when searching for a contractor to maintain and service your equipment:
- Licensing. All HVAC contractors and technicians must be licensed by the state in Ohio, which involves meeting their requirements and passing the licensing exam. In addition, the contractors must have insurance and bonding to protect their customers.
Many manufacturers of HVAC equipment won’t honor warranties if an unlicensed technician services the unit, so it’s important to ask for proof of licensing before hiring.
- Certifications. Nonprofit organizations within the HVAC field single out top performing contractors and technicians, like NATE (North American Technician Excellence). A NATE-certified contractor or technician has passed the most rigorous testing process in the industry and met NATE’s requirements for continuing education and customer satisfaction.
Membership in ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors Association) is another organization whose members have access to the latest developments and knowledge tools in the HVAC field.
- Reputation. Look for membership and good standing with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). The BBB keeps current information on member organizations, and assigns grades that range from A+ to F based on customer satisfaction and resolved complaints.
- Referrals. Ask your friends, family and neighbors about their experiences and the name of a particular HVAC contractor with whom they’ve had a good experience.
- References. Most contractors will provide a list of customers that you can contact to verify their experiences.
- Responses. Exercise caution if a contractor gives you a specific quote for a new system or a repair without having first visited your home. There’s much more to choosing a new system than discussing it over the phone without a through home inspection first.
It’s important to choose a knowledgeable HVAC contractor to ensure your comfort and safety. To learn more, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide NATE-certified HVAC services for homeowners in the Lorain area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about reputable HVAC contractors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area