Hiring the right HVAC contractor can make a huge difference when it’s time to make repairs or replace your unit. You rely on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable during both hot and cold weather, and I’m especially grateful for mine during the hot, humid Florida summers. Inefficiency and faults with your unit could send your energy bills soaring upward and cost thousands in repairs. That’s why selecting the right heating and cooling company is crucial for both proper installation and ongoing maintenance.
Begin With Good Research
Your first step should be to survey HVAC businesses in your area. This might sound like a daunting task, but you can use a few pieces of information to narrow down your list. Word-of-mouth is a good indicator of a company’s service level, and it doesn’t hurt to check reviews on Yelp! or from other sources. While you’re at it, find out the licensing requirements for heating and air conditioning businesses in your area, because you’ll need to know this to ensure you hire the right vendor.
Once you have a few firms in mind, start contacting them. Angie’s List advises that you confirm each one’s physical address. This is to avoid contractors who only operate with a truck and a cell phone, as you have no guarantees they’ll do the job right. Additionally, acquire every firm’s license number and verify that their licenses are in good standing with the appropriate government agency. Furthermore, ask to see proof of their insurance. The company you hire should have both general liability coverage and worker’s compensation. Finally, contact references and hear what they say about your prospective vendors’ service and performance.
Look for ENERGY STAR Products
When you’re hiring an HVAC company to install a new system, select one that offers ENERGY STAR products. Created by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency in 1992, ENERGY STAR’s purpose is to help consumers choose energy-smart appliances. Systems with the ENERGY STAR label heat and cool your home while making more efficient use of energy. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that you could save around $115 per year on your heating and cooling costs just by switching your old system to one that’s listed as ENERGY STAR compliant.
Get Estimates
Before you make your final decision, it’s important to collect estimates from the companies you’re considering to hire. These should be itemized, detailing all the services the provider would perform as well as a breakdown of the costs. However, don’t make your decision on solely financial considerations, especially if you’re getting a new HVAC system installed. It’s important to not only compare pricing and services, but also the energy efficiency of each product. Moreover, when you choose your contractor, make sure you obtain and sign a written contract or proposal.
Do Your Homework
It’s vital to perform careful research, select energy-smart options and get estimates when you’re hiring an HVAC company. Reputation is only one factor on which you’ll choose a contractor. Make sure you opt for eco-friendly heating and cooling units. and evaluate how each business and its staff treat you before signing on the dotted line. You’ll be depending on this company to service your heating and air condition for years to come, so choosing wisely ensures you’ll be happy with your decision.
My brother recently moved into an older home with his family. He has noticed the air conditioning unit isn’t cooling the upstairs portion of the home, so he’s looking for an expert to take a look. I didn’t realize how important it is to choose a HVAC contractor that uses Energy Star products to ensure your energy costs stay as low as possible. I’ll be sure to let my brother know about this consideration.
Thank you for all this great information about choosing the right HVAC company! One thing that really stood out to me is that you say to make sure that you do your own research before choosing a company. I know that I would want to make sure I know what is going on.
I like how you say that you would want to find a few itemized estimates before you choose a contractor. it would make sense to compare these types of detailed estimates in order to be sure that they are right for you. My sister is looking for a contractor to help with installing a heat pump, so she’ll have to choose one that offers an itemized estimate.
It’s crucial to get estimates! I’ve had friends that bought new systems and balked at what they thought was going to be the price, but turned out much much higher. Having said that, don’t be super frugal either. The HVAC is essential to life in your house, so don’t be afraid to go a little bit more than you normally would. You want these things to last.
My wife and I just moved and are looking for an HVAC contractor to install a new furnace before winter. I like that you suggest getting a written estimate of the services and not just going with the cheapest option. We want a good quality, energy-efficient furnace like you mentioned so we’ll be sure to do a bit of research. Thanks for the tips!
I feel like ever since our landlord installed energy smart appliances, it made such a huge difference. I think it is important too to choose the right kind of appliance as well though. It’s something that I wish my landlord would have done sooner!
Thanks for the great tips for hiring an HVAC company. Our AC unit has been struggling to keep our house cool recently, so this is helpful. We’ll be sure to find a company that offers ENERGY STAR products, just in case we need to replace the system.