Like seeking the most qualified professional in any industry, finding the right HVAC contractor means looking deeper than an advertising pitch and promises on a website.
The heating and cooling industry has come a long way in formulating professional standards that ensure consistency and quality for the consumer. However, you might still encounter a range of qualifications when deciding on an HVAC contractor to upgrade, maintain or repair your furnace or air conditioner.
While no single contractor or firm may score a “10” on all items, by looking for these general traits, you’ll be off to a good start in locating the best HVAC contractor for your needs.
Track Record
Check the local Better Business Bureau to see if there’s a file on a particular contractor, as well as the number and nature of complaints, if any, and whether they were resolved.
Licensing And Certifications
Verify that the contractor fulfills licensing requirements in your area. They should also carry liability insurance and bonding. Certified dealers of HVAC equipment made by name-brand manufacturers are usually held to higher standards of expertise and dependability.
Locally Established
Some contractors come and go quickly. Usually, those that survive become a recognized name in the community and are the most skilled and reputable companies. Always verify that a contractor has an existing office and shop at a local business address you can actually visit — not just a phone number or a website.
Accurate Estimates
No experienced professional issues an estimate without a complete survey of your site and work requirements first. Estimates should be in writing and fully itemized, and prices should be generally consistent with local norms. Be suspect of estimates that are unusually low.
Sizing New Equipment
New furnace or A/C upgrades must be preceded by a calculation of your home’s heating or cooling load. This is done utilizing industry-standard Manual J software to determine the precise BTU requirements to warm or cool your house. Never accept estimates or one-size-fits-all approximations.
For an experienced, established professional HVAC contractor in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga Counties, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
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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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area