Choosing The Right Technician
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician selected to inspect, upgrade or install an air conditioning system is as critical to the system's successful operation as the equipment itself.
5 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor
1. Educate yourself — Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state. And before you call a contractor, know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Also make note of any uncomfortable rooms. This will help potential contractors better understand your heating needs.
2. Ask for referrals — Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals. You can also contact local trade organizations for names of members in your area.
3. Call references — Ask contractors for customer references and call them. Ask about the contractor's installation or service performance, and if the job was completed on time and within budget.
4. Get written, itemized estimates — When comparing contractors' bids, be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. A lowest price may not be the best deal if it's not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher.
5. Get it in ink — Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It'll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.
A reputable contractor should perform an on-site inspection of the work you want completed and provide a detailed bid in a timely manner. They should be able to demonstrate to you that the company is licensed and insured to repair and install heating and cooling equipment (many states require this).
They should have several years of experience as a business in your community and provide examples of quality installation of energy-efficient heating and/or cooling equipment work, with names of customers that you can contact. Qualified technicians should always leave all equipment manuals and provide documentation of installation, procedures, including sizing calculations, AHRI certificate, and records of any measurements or testing. They should clearly explain the benefits of regular maintenance and help you set up a schedule to keep your system operating at its best. It’s always beneficial to sign an agreement before work begins.
This agreement or proposal should:
• List in detail all the work that is being contracted and show you a layout of where the equipment is going to be installed.
• Specify all products by quantity, name, model number, and energy ratings.
• Provide manufacturer’s warranty, equipment documentation, and contractor installation warranty information (if applicable).
• Give the payment schedule.
• State the scheduled start and completion date.
• Describe how disputes will be resolved.
• State the contractor’s workers comp, liability insurance and licenses.
• Outline paperwork and permits needed for the project.
Most authorized dealers back every installation with a 100% satisfaction money back guarantee. When comparing bids, be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. A lowest price may not be the best deal if it's not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher
Knowledgeable, experienced, insured and licensed technicians, can provide the information that you need to understand and improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. By utilizing a more energy efficient air conditioning unit, you can increase your cost savings. And remember, proper maintenance can go a long way in preventing future heating and cooling system problems. Ask your contractor about annual pre-season check-ups. Contractors often get very busy during summer and winter months, so it's a good idea to check the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall.