What to Look for When choosing an HVAC Contractor
Choosing the right HVAC company makes a world of difference. It affects your comfort, your budget, and the health and lifespan of your HVAC system. It’s also the biggest factor shaping your experience in an HVAC emergency.
You need responsive, reliable, and cost-effective experts who will fix the problem as soon as possible. Hopefully, you won’t need to find those experts at the eleventh hour. The best way to handle a crisis is to be prepared. With the right HVAC company, professional maintenance can help you avoid that crisis or breakdown altogether.
Whether you need your system installed, tuned up, repaired, or replaced, make sure your local HVAC techs are up for the job. Here are some tips on how to choose an HVAC company.
Know What You’re Looking For
First of all, you should know what you need from a heating and cooling contractor. That means knowing what type of air conditioning and heating system you have.
Know the model, its condition, and its maintenance history. You want to make sure they confidently know their way around the model they’re servicing.
Make sure the HVAC company has the availability and expertise to handle your specific needs. Keep future needs in mind, as well, in case you want to upgrade, expand, or explore alternatives.
Home Evaluation
One way to assess potential contractors is to check whether they offer a home evaluation. These evaluations should account for comfort, safety, efficiency, air quality, and insulation. They should thoroughly assess and itemize every opportunity to save energy with a more effective solution.
Special Offers and Rebates
Another factor to consider is the special offers and rebates available through working with your HVAC company. There’s a variety of enticing incentives out there for using energy-efficient equipment. So, when thinking about how to choose an HVAC company that works for you, your HVAC contractor should be aware of these incentives and be able to give you details about your options.
Brands of Equipment
Speaking of ENERGY STAR, it’s always a good sign to see that an HVAC company sells ENERGY STAR-certified units. Pay attention to the brands of the air conditioners, water heaters, heat pumps, and other equipment that an HVAC contractor carries.
If they’re a factory authorized dealer of a reputable manufacturer, like Carrier, that speaks to their credibility. The stronger the brand of equipment they’re authorized to carry, the stronger the endorsement.
Company History and Experience
Another consideration is company history. Look into the histories of potential contractors to learn more about their depth of experience and expertise.
A company doesn’t have a long, successful history without exceptional customer service. For example, Laury Heating Cooling & Plumbing has been around for 75 years and counting!
Credentials and Licenses
Of course, you shouldn’t work with a contractor without the proper licenses and credentials. Make sure their licenses are accurate, up-to-date, and prominently displayed on their website. If not, steer clear.
Awards and Certifications
Licenses and credentials are necessary prerequisites. Beyond the basic credentials, industry awards and certifications are great ways to choose the right HVAC company.
Of course, some certifications, such as the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) should be regarded as standard requirements. Other certifications from manufacturers and industry associations aren’t as common and are worth seeking out.
When it comes to HVAC, check out awards from Angie’s List or ENERGY STAR. You should also look into accreditations or high ratings from the Better Business Bureau.
Reviews, Referrals, and Testimonials
In addition to seeing what industry organizations have to say, see what customers are saying, too. Reviews and testimonials are a great way to ensure that an HVAC company will provide service that’s completed on time and within budget.
Without lots of positive reviews, referrals, or testimonials, you won’t have as strong a sense of who you’re dealing with.
Ask Your Community How to Choose an HVAC Company
Even better than strangers on the internet are the friends, neighbors, and relatives of your community. Your community can help you figure out how to choose an HVAC company that works for you. A well-established HVAC company will have deep roots and a strong reputation in its community. Word of mouth is always a big factor in keeping a business healthy.
Maintaining and enjoying an HVAC system is a serious financial commitment. Compare costs for installation, service, and repair. But keep in mind that a cheap, unreliable option will cost more in the long run than the more reputable alternative. Ask your friends if they’re happy with the service they get for their heating and cooling systems. If they live in South Jersey, and they love their HVAC company, chances are it’s Laury Heating Cooling & Plumbing!
