With about 119,359 HVAC companies in the US, finding the best one can be a daunting experience. Before you hire an HVAC company to work on your home or business, it’s important to carefully consider the company. Do research online to find out what customers are saying about them.
Talk with friends and other people in your network for recommendations. If possible, inspect previous work they’ve done. That said, here are some questions you should ask before hiring an HVAC Company.
1. How Extensive Is Your Experience?
Experience is very important, especially when choosing a contractor who has completed projects similar to yours. You want to work with someone who can competently handle any emergencies or problems that may occur during the project. You wouldn’t want to put the entire job in jeopardy for the sake of saving a few dollars.
This means that you should hire an HVAC company based on price alone. Check how long they have been operational and how good their track record and reputation are. Check their online reviews to see how far back they go and how positive or negative their feedback is.
2. Can I See Your Licenses and Insurance?
It’s essential to make sure that the HVAC service is fully licensed to do business in your city. Inquire if they have the required permits, carry proper insurances, and have references from prior customers. You can protect yourself by asking them to provide copies of their licenses, certificates, and insurance before you sign an agreement.
They should at least have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Additionally, check if they often subcontract work out to other companies because some contractors don’t complete jobs themselves but hire others. This could be a disaster waiting to happen, especially when dealing with HVAC systems that require experience in installation or repairs.
Furthermore, inquire if their technicians have state certification in HVAC? State laws require technicians to pass exams certifying them as heating or cooling experts before allowing them to sell or install any type of HVAC system.
3. What’s Your Price, and Can You Give Me an Estimate?
You might be tempted to choose the cheapest estimate you receive, but that may not always be the best option. The lowest price isn’t always better, especially when it comes to offering quality service. Don’t sacrifice quality for cost because there are hidden factors that go into every job, like possible delays, change orders, extra fees, etc.
Hiring an HVAC company based on low cost alone could result in more expenses than initially planned. This wouldn’t be good for either of you since you’ll end up paying more than expected. You can ask for a breakdown of costs to see what’s included and, if possible, get three estimates from different companies so you can make comparisons.
When looking for an HVAC company, always ask what will determine the costs, such as travel time to your home. Do they factor in service charges? Be sure to confirm these details so you won’t incur any unnecessary expenses.
Always avoid companies who charge a fee just for visiting and providing estimates since this means that there might be hidden fees after their visit, which would surely increase the total cost of labor and parts.
4. Can You Give Me References?
It’s always ideal to check out previous work they’ve done first before hiring the contractor. It’ll give you an idea about their expertise in the industry since HVAC systems are complex and require knowledge and expertise. If possible, call references provided and ask questions regarding recent jobs performed.
Discuss how long ago this was completed, and inquire about their overall satisfaction with the project. You can also check online for these reviews or testimonials where previous customers have taken the time to share their opinions on various review sites like HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List. This will give you a good idea of how they work with their customers.
5. Do You Offer Warranties?
It is common for contractors to provide warranties on parts and labor, so ask about the warranty periods offered by the company. The warranty period should be included in your agreement, which will set out what’s. For example, does it include all parts and labor?
What are the limitations, if any? Does it cover breakdowns or repairs only? There should be a time frame mentioned like “90 days labor, 2 years parts” unless the warranty has an indefinite duration.
6. Do You Offer Guarantees?
If possible, ask if there are specific guarantees for workmanship. A professional HVAC company offers guarantees on their work because they know they can deliver quality services.
They should offer a fixed price guarantee so that they won’t charge more than what was previously agreed upon. This way, any future problems won’t lead to higher costs because this kind of agreement prevents additional charges.
7. Can I Get it in writing?
Ensure that all important points are included in an agreement or contract before signing with them. An agreement will protect both parties by clearly stating what each side is responsible for.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to have your HVAC company provide you with an estimate in writing before any work or repairs are completed. A contract will prevent problems and disagreements during and after the project.
8. Do You Offer 24-hour Emergency HVAC Service?
Most companies do not provide emergency HVAC service, but there are exceptions. If you need an HVAC contractor to respond immediately, you should ask if the company is available for potential emergencies at night or on weekends.
9. What Types of HVAC Services Do You Offer?
Can the company help you with installation, routine maintenance, repairs, and replacement? If they have limited service to just repairs, they might not be able to meet all your needs for heat, air conditioning, ventilation, humidity control.
When you hire an HVAC company that only provides repair service, you’re only getting half of what is needed for good indoor air quality. Avoid making assumptions that all HVAC companies are the same and offer similar services. To avoid issues after signing the contract, inquire what kind of services they offer in advance.
Hiring the Best HVAC Company
Are you looking to hire the best HVAC company in your area? These are some of the most vital questions you need to ask to ensure you contract the services of a professional and reputable company.
That said, if you need professional HVAC services, please get in touch with us for a free quote.
