No major decision should be made without first doing your homework, that includes the decision of deciding on an HVAC contractor. You’ll want to find a contractor that will listen to you and make certain they are meeting all your home comfort needs.
HVAC installation is not something you want to try to DIY. It’s important to find a contractor that is highly skilled in many areas. They will evaluate your home’s load calculation, pull permits to ensure local codes are met, check piping and a whole slew of steps in-between. If your top-of-the-line system isn’t getting a top-of-the-line installation, you’re more likely to get mediocre performance from your system.
The professionals at B & G HVAC have put together some questions to ask to help you on your quest of finding your ideal HVAC contractor.
Do they have references or referrals?
Before you work with a company they should be able to give you a list of recent customers that can authenticate the quality of their work. Once you receive that you can call and find out about their recent HVAC projects, if they are satisfied with the results and if they would hire the company again in the future.
You can also check with sources like the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) and the Better Business Bureau. Looking up a contractor on BBB will allow you to see consumer ratings and will also show you any customer complaints lodged against a company. The ACCA is a non-profit that enlists the expertise of over 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors that belong to the ACCA are serious about their profession and will gladly provide you with referrals.
An additional option is enlisting the help of your friends on social media. These recommendations are given by people you know and trust. You’ll probably not only get feedback on what contractors to use, but also who to avoid. If you’re looking for suggestions from your neighbors, nextdoor.com is literally a social network of your neighbors.
Are they NATE-certified?
If your contractor is NATE-certified you can guarantee that you’re getting a contractor that meets the highest standards in installation and service. NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is a non-profit organization for HVAC technicians. In order to become NATE-certified a technician has to pass specialized and real-world tests that were created by a committee of the top industry experts.
Are they properly licensed and insured?
Almost every state requires licensure for HVAC contractors. This provides protection for consumers from companies that use inexperienced workers. A simple online search will show you whether your state requires a license or not. If you live in a state the requires a license and your contractor doesn’t have one, look elsewhere to avoid any issues.
When to ask these questions?
The perfect time to find a quality HVAC contractor is before you experience a breakdown. If you get your system checked when it’s functioning properly and get your regular maintenance scheduled to keep it running properly.
Relationships built on trust and experience is important to us at B & G HVAC in Marshalltown. Our professionals would be happy to answer any questions you may have about home comfort. Give us a call at 641-316-3360 or set up an appointment with us using our online scheduler.