Do you need to hire an HVAC contractor? When you’re having trouble with your heating and air conditioning, you want to get help fast, especially if you live somewhere with harsh weather conditions.
But how can you find the right HVAC company that you know will do the job right?
There are plenty of people claiming to provide the best HVAC service, but not all contractors are alike. We’re here to help you choose. Keep reading for a few questions that you should always ask before hiring your next HVAC contractor.
1. Are You Licensed? (And Can You Prove It?)
It’s important to know that your HVAC contractor has all of the appropriate licensing, and a good contractor or contracting company will be happy to show that off. After all, they worked for it.
Always ask ahead of time, even if it’s on their website.
Getting a license means that the contractors have received appropriate education and have had enough experience to be trustworthy on the job. Overall, it shows advanced competence.
Ask to see proof of current licensing and make sure that it’s up to date.
While you’re looking at paperwork, ask about liability insurance. Good contracting companies are insured to protect both you and the contractors.
If you’re unsure, ask them about their insurance and then call the insurance company to double-check. It never hurts to use caution, but a great contracting company wants to provide this information when asked so you have peace of mind.
2. Do You Provide Estimates?
It’s never a bad idea to get an estimate before you get work done so you can determine whether or not it’s in your budget at the moment, or plan for the expense.
Not all contractors will provide free estimates. Some will choose to do walkthroughs or check out the damaged system before they give you a quote while others are more interested in talking over the phone or via email to gauge what the issue is.
This is also a good time to talk about payment and financing options. While HVAC repair is important, it can often be expensive. Establishing a payment plan might be the difference between being able to afford the work and having to put it off.
3. Do You Offer Maintenance?
After you experience an HVAC disaster, you’re probably going to be more interested in keeping your system in check for the future. After all, no one wants the heat or air conditioning to go out at the worst possible time.
Not all HVAC companies have maintenance as a part of their services. Some focus on major fixes alone. Talk to your HVAC contractor about what kinds of maintenance services they offer, how often they think you should receive these services, and if they have any tips for you between service times.
A good contractor wants you to have a system that works, so they’ll be happy to offer suggestions that can help you keep your HVAC system in good condition while they’re not around to fix it.
4. What Do You Think Is Wrong?
When you first start talking to your potential HVAC contractor, you’re going to be communicating via phone or email. This is where you describe the problem that you’re experiencing and what you think led to it.
While your contractor won’t be able to know for sure what’s causing the issue, they should be able to give you a vague idea. After all, they’ve been doing this for a while.
There are several common HVAC problems that will be the most likely culprits. Asking about what’s wrong and getting their opinion on how to move forward is a key first step in fixing the problem.
5. How Soon Can You Start?
Popular HVAC contractors and companies are often booked out, especially during the hot and cold seasons. Unfortunately, your problem can’t usually wait.
Make sure that you talk to your HVAC contractor about their general timeline and how soon they can start working on your issue before you make a commitment.
6. How Much Experience Do You Have?
There’s nothing wrong with new contractors, but if you want your problem fixed as quickly and efficiently as possible it’s a good idea to hire someone who’s been in the business for a long time.
A lot of good contractors keep up with their education so they’re able to fix problems with new devices and equipment, but they’ve also been around long enough to deal with older systems too. This question is extra important if you live in a home that has an outdated HVAC system (as many old homes do).
Getting a contractor or company with years or even decades of experience ensures that you’re hiring a professional.
7. Do You Have Any References or Testimonials?
How many other people love this company?
Granted, you can do this work on your own by checking popular review sites online like Yelp and the business’s Google My Business page.
When a business has a “reviews” section available on their own website, though, it shows that they have confidence in their work and they care about what their customers have to say.
Find the Perfect HVAC Contractor Today
Finding the best HVAC contractor for the job is crucial if you want things done right. With the right experience, the right equipment, and the right certifications, you know that you’re going to get someone who’s great at what they do.
Do you need the perfect contractor in Augusta? We want to help you. Contact us to tell us what’s wrong and make an appointment and we’ll be there to help in no time.
You made a good point that I have to make sure that the HVAC repair contractors I will be hiring have licenses. I’d like to get my air conditioner inspected soon because I want to make sure that it still works as efficiently as it could. It’s been with me for almost three years now so I think it’s about time to do some maintenance work on it.