The first step to finding the best HVAC contractor for your home or office is to ask yourself – what do I need? The truth is – there are lots of things to consider before hiring an HVAC professional. And now, having something to help you make an informed decision and hire the best HVAC company for you: 24 high-quality questions to ask your HVAC contractor before your HVAC business. Bonus Offer: Get a free HVAC contractor checklist as a PDF download for free, too. Enter your information below and start answering the questions:
* Are you satisfied with the answers you are getting from your HVAC contractors? While it’s good to have an HVAC contractor come out and inspect your furnace or air conditioner, sometimes you’d rather hear what a technician has to say first. A good HVAC contractor should be willing to take a phone call and give you an honest answer – one that tells you whether they’re going to repair your furnace, replace a damaged part, or give you a free estimate. Be careful if you have a large, complex, or ongoing HVAC project; many reputable contractors won’t take them.
* Are you comfortable with all the technicians your HVAC contractors have employed? Remember, you want to be able to speak openly and confidentially with your HVAC contractors; they should be trained and licensed according to the state. Be wary of unscrupulous HVAC technicians who aren’t licensed, because, in some states, they can perform illegal repairs. Before you bring in any new HVAC technicians, be sure to run their background checks – and if you already know someone who worked with these technicians, ask for their advice.
* Can your HVAC contractors offer a guarantee on their work? As with all electrical contractors, HVAC contractors are bound by federal and state laws to provide a written guarantee on their work. Read through this guarantee, and if you find any vague wording or obvious errors in it, pass it along to your HVAC contractor. HVAC contractors don’t have to provide a 100% money-back guarantee on their work – but you may want to double-check this guarantee before signing on the dotted line.
* Can your HVAC contractor help keep your furnace or air conditioner running efficiently year-round? Some HVAC contractors offer scheduling services for routine maintenance and repairs, and some even offer emergency help if something affects your HVAC equipment. Ask about the service plan and whether your technicians are trained to help you with routine maintenance issues. HVAC technicians who are highly trained in maintenance are usually best suited to offer support for HVAC equipment.
* What are the benefits of HVAC contractor recommendations? Before you choose an HVAC contractor, ask them to recommend local contractors in your area. This is a great way to ensure that the company you hire has the experience and knowledge necessary to provide top-notch service. A lot of HVAC companies may offer discounts to contractors who give them business, so you may be able to get some of your heating or cooling needs to be met at a reduced cost. If your heating and cooling needs are not typical, however, it’s probably best to try out different HVAC companies until you find one with a decent reputation. You’ll probably save yourself more money this way.
* Are there other ways to reduce my heating and cooling costs? There are many ways that you can keep heating and cooling costs down. One thing you can do is use natural ventilation systems for your home. This includes installing fans in rooms and using a dehumidifier in the attic. Professional HVAC contractors can also provide ventilation ductwork and winterization services. They can also install insulation on your home, both inside and out, and make adjustments to your HVAC system.
Your best bet for finding the most qualified technicians and contractors in your area is to ask friends and family for referrals. Chances are that they’ve dealt with different HVAC companies and can give you the names of at least two or three reputable ones. Of course, you’ll also want to check out your state’s licensing boards, because there are certain professionals that have been licensed by the state but have since been found to be dangerous. HVAC contractors with current licenses are usually a good bet, but you should also be aware that some shady businesses have been known to sell substandard HVAC equipment and supplies.