No major decision should be made without first doing your homework, that includes the decision of choosing an HVAC contractor. You’ll want to find a contractor that will listen to you and make sure they are meeting all your home comfort needs.
HVAC installation isn’t a project you want to attempt to DIY. It’s important to find a contractor that is highly skilled in many areas. They will figure out your home’s load calculation, pull permits to make sure 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 experts at Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. have put together some questions to ask to help you on your journey of finding your ideal HVAC contractor.
Do they have references or referrals?
If you’re looking to work with a company they should be able to give you a list of recent customers that can authenticate the quality of their work. From there you can call and inquire about their recent HVAC projects, if they are satisfied with the results and if they would work with the company again in the future.
There are other sources you can look into like the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) and the Better Business Bureau. Searching 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 know-how of over 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors that are a part of ACCA are serious about their profession and will enthusiastically provide you with referrals.
One other option is asking for the help of your friends on social media. These recommendations are received from people you know and trust. You’ll most likely not only get feedback on what contractors to use, but also who to avoid. If you’re looking for recommendations 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 unqualified workers. A simple online search will show you whether your state requires a license or not. If you reside 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 locate 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.
A relationship built on trust and experience is important to us at Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. in Manassas. Our professionals would be happy to answer any questions you may have about home comfort. Give us a call at 703-260-1148 or set up an appointment with us using our online scheduler.