'Homes That Perform' Blog

Heating And Cooling Systems: What To Look For In A Contractor.

Heating And Cooling Systems: What To Look For In A Quality HVAC Contractor.

In this day and age where you are bombarded with information; you've got things like the nightly news reporting unscrupulous contractors and the rise of 'unbiased' websites like Angie's List. It can be a challenge to figure out who to call when it comes to hiring a contractor.

Here's a list of the qualities to look for in an HVAC contractor.

FIXED RIGHT:

• Don’t Settle For Incompetent Technicians: Service techs need to quickly and accurately diagnose ANY situation. Companies should require technicians to pass a Competency Test and show proof of their certification level.

HONESTY:

• KNOW Who’s Entering Your Home: Let’s face it. Lots of guys drive around CLAIMING to be able to do repairs. Find out and KNOW who’s entering your home before they do; or you may become victim to something worse than just broken a faulty cracked heat exchanger of problems with backdrafting.

• YOU MAY BE AT RISK! Many contractors don’t “really” know who they’ve hired. They’re taking a gamble with your home that the employee they’ve hired is trustworthy.

• Professional And Presentable: Unfortunately, servicemen have a reputation for looking less than desirable. Which makes you feel uncomfortable. You know the saying, “Where There’s Smoke... There’s Fire?” Chances are if they dress professional, they’ll act that way too.

FIXED ON TIME:

• Make Sure “Fast Service” Really Is Fast: Most HVAC companies advertise 24/7 Emergency Service... But it’s NOT always true. Yes, they have a “Hot-Line” number, but if you call after hours... no one answers. Make sure 24/7 Emergency Service ‘really is’ 24/7. Service techs need to quickly and accurately diagnose ANY situation.

PRICE:

• Look Out For Overcharges: Contractors are notorious for “ghost repairs” (charge for something they didn’t do). They often quote low prices upfront, then change the amount midway through. Get a solid quote before your job starts... including parts and labor.

• No Bids Given Over The Phone: It is impossible to diagnose without seeing. Over the phone bidders, on average, raise their prices by 27% before the job is finished. Make sure your contractor looks at the job before they start.

INSURANCE

• $1,00,000 Minimum Insurance: Many companies operate without ANY insurance. This can cost you THOUSANDS if a worker falls and gets hurt. For your protection, ask to see proof of their insurance. Make sure it covers both your property and ANY liability. There's lots of 'cell phone and a truck' guys out there.

• Licensed, bonded and insured.

WARRANTY:

• Insist Upon A Minimum One Year Warranty: Electronics are unpredictable. There's no particular brand of electronic ANYTHING that doesn't need repairs from time to time. They don't just break down at a certain point in time. Some start from arrival, some 6 months, some a year or longer. Insist upon a minimum one year warranty.

REPUTATION:

• Show Proof of State Contractors License
• Is BBB Accredited.
• EPA 608 Certification.
• Make sure they have “Trade Associations Certificates of Standing” and that they are reputable. Like the Air Conditioning Contractors Of America(ACCA)
• Ask for Client Testimonials & References.
• Make sure they understand the critical nature of correctly sized, engineered HVAC Systems.
• Make sure they perform a before and after diagnosis/audit with a printed checklist.