Hiring an HVAC Contractor? A Checklist to Help the Process Go Smoothly

Choosing the right company for any large HVAC project in your home requires a lot of research, especially if no one among your friends or family can make a recommendation based on their own experience. Hiring an HVAC contractor, though, doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you keep the following tips in mind.

Ask for references. Potential contractors should provide contact information for at least three previous clients who have had similar work done on their properties. Give them a call, ask about their satisfaction with the project and if they would recommend the company to others. If you’re trying to get a quote for a long-term maintenance contract, ask about the company’s response time to issues with their system.

Look for signals of professionalism. The Better Business Bureau advises that an excellent starting point when you begin to evaluate a particular contractor is to look for company logos on their automobiles and attire, and take into consideration the company’s procedures regarding billing (for example, be suspicious if they want to be paid in cash). Don’t hire pushy contractors who show up at your door offering their services and pressuring a deal. Check to see if the contractor’s technicians have NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification, an HVAC industry-wide mark of excellence.

Have them inspect your HVAC system. Any contractor should be familiar with your heating and cooling system before submitting a quote. How old is the equipment? What is the ventilation like at your property? Which rooms tend to get too hot or too cold?

Read the contract carefully. It should give a detailed description of the task at hand, what type of equipment will be used, and an estimated time for completion. If additional work needs to be done that is not included in the contract, it needs to be addressed in writing, and you should hold off on payment until the job is done.

Ensure that the company plays by the rules. When hiring an HVAC contractor, make sure the business is licensed and insured and complying with any necessary codes relevant to your county. Be wary of contractors who ask you to acquire building permits, as such processes should be filed through the contractor.

For more information on improving your HVAC system, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties.

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 HVAC contractors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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