How to Choose an HVAC Contractor for Your Home

What an HVAC system is buggy or has given out, homeowners are quickly prompted to contact the nearest contractor to sort out their problems.

Unfortunately, it’s never that simple. As a matter of fact, it’s never that easy hiring anyone for a particular job that homeowners don’t have the know-how or the proper tools and equipment for.

Let us direct you to the following mistakes that would come your way:

Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

1.  Not Properly Understanding Your Needs

If you don’t inform your potential contractor of what you’re looking for, be it a fully encompassing building automation system or increase your household’s energy efficiency, you’ll end up making a costly mistake. Similarly, you too should have a good idea about what your HVAC needs are before hiring a contractor.

2. Not Having Any Credentials

If you’re not hiring a contractor that is legally licensed where you live, then not only are you putting yourself in financial danger, but also physical danger. 

3. Ignoring References

This is related to the previous tip and it goes to show you that anyone can claim to be the best candidate to fix your HVAC unit. But we’re here to tell you that not everyone is cut from the same cloth. Committing to some necessary research on the people or company that you’re going to hire to fix or install your HVAC unit will save you a lot of money and trouble in the long run. 

4. Ventilation Isn’t Measured

A particular space or room in a house or building needs to have the proper air circulation flowing around it. The contractor you hire needs to abide by the ventilation standards set upon by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers.

5. Inaccurate System Sizing

When thinking about installing your HVAC unit, be sure that you’re not opting for one that is one-size-fits-all. Homeowners have to do a little research when replacing their old units as inappropriate sizing could result in improper heating and cooling. 

These are a handful of some of the mistakes that you need to avoid when hiring a contractor to install or fix your HVAC system.

So, to get you on the right side of things, consider the following tips the next time you’re looking to hire an HVAC contractor over for installation or repairing:

Tips to Follow When Hiring HVAC Contractor

1. Look into Their Services

The first thing that you’ll need to check before hiring an HVAC contractor is the type of services that they provide. Also, inspect whether they’re certified or not because a certified contractor can do more than just repair and install. With that in mind, you should also check whether they’re highly trained and are knowledgeable when it comes to repairing, installing, replacing, and even maintaining HVAC systems.

2. See if They Provide Priority and Emergency Services

One can never be sure when their HVAC system will go out, even when there are signs that indicate either repair or perhaps a fresh installation. That’s why you need to see whether the HVAC contractor or company that you hire offers priority and emergency services in case your system does indeed eventually blow a fuse or kick the bucket. 

3. Check if They’re BBB Accredited

No other source can give you a sense of guaranteed professionalism and reliability than the Better Business Bureau (BBB). BBB is a non-profit organization that has existed for more than a hundred years now and has sworn to constantly help consumers look for the most reliable contractor. Read more here to learn how to find a BBB accredited HVAC contractor in Phoenix, Arizona.

4. Ask for Proof of Insurance

You never know what might happen when contractors come over to install or repair your unit. With a job like this, there’s almost certainly going to be some degree of hazard. That’s why you need to make sure that the contractor you’re looking to hire is covered by general liability and worker’s compensation. Don’t hesitate to also ask for proof of insurance. 

5. Ask for a Written Quote

Asking for a written quote for the job that you want to be done is essential, especially when you’re in the process of hiring a potential contractor. This process involves the contractor breaking down the overall costs associated with the job you’re assigning them, including the parts to be used and the labor involved.

But getting one quote doesn’t mean your job is done. You need to compare that quote with that of other contractors to make sure that you get the best value from what you’re investing. 

6. Read Testimonials and Reviews from Present Customers

Reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, especially those that are too concise, one-sided, and lenient. Look for those reviews that are more in-depth and talked about various services and the satisfaction obtained from those services. Reading at least 5 or 10 of them is a good way of assuring yourself you’re not walking into a scam. 

7. See if the HVAC System You’re Getting is Energy Efficient

It isn’t a stretch of the imagination anymore that the utility bills from various households have become extraordinarily expensive. That’s why many are leaning more toward energy-efficient systems nowadays.

So be sure to ask whomever you’re hiring to install your HVAC system to give you one that won’t push your bills up to the Moon by the end of the month while also maximizing your indoor comfort as well. Take it from us and get yourself a system that has a higher SEER rating for better efficiency.