Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor
Extreme weather can roll in anywhere, so most homeowners are no strangers to storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can affect many portions of your property, like the landscape, roof, siding and windows.
High winds and flooding are also major issues for outdoor heating and cooling equipment. In extreme weather, systems will sometimes be pushed out of position, often falling over and breaking electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even when systems remain upright, they may collect mud and other debris, which needs to be cleaned out before they can work properly.
For your safety when examining your storm-damaged home, don’t use the HVAC system until it has gotten the all-clear from a heating and cooling technician. The trick is knowing who to hire for the job. After all, any random individual with a truck can claim they’re an HVAC technician. An unqualified person tampering with your equipment may make matters worse, not to mention overcharge you and then disappear without a trace.
Situations like these tend to escalate after storm cleanup. To avoid being taken advantage of, here are the top six questions to ask when hiring a heating and cooling contractor.
1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?
The majority of states have implemented licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This provides peace of mind that whoever is working on your system has the correct training and coverage in the event an accident occurs. Continued ACE certification only further assists a contractor’s capability to provide high-quality service.
2. What can you tell me about your experience and reputation?
While decades of service alone doesn’t guarantee a contractor will do a great job, it shows that they are proficient enough to stay in business for the long term. If you’re able to, look into the company’s name online to verify that they’re telling the truth about their experience.
Simultaneously, research the contractors you’re interested in on Google and other third-party review websites. Testimonials from prior customers give you a detailed idea of what to expect.
For even more comprehensive answers, ask potential contractors for the contact information of previous customers. As you get in touch with these references and look over online reviews, seek out answers to these questions:
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- Did the contractor complete the job on time?
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- Did the contractor leave the customer feeling comfortable?
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- Was the final bill the same price as the up-front estimate?
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- Did a live person always answer calls, or did an answering machine pick up?
3. Are the technicians background-checked and drug-tested?
You deserve reassurance that the HVAC staff who perform the work are clean, dependable and safe to have around your family. For your peace of mind, check with the contractor if background checks and drug tests are required before bringing new hires to the team.
4. Can you evaluate the entire home heating and cooling system?
If the storm damage is serious enough to wipe out your HVAC system, you will sometimes need a replacement. That said, it isn’t enough to just swap out one furnace and air conditioner for another. After all, an HVAC system is only as effective as the ductwork it uses. So if you’re looking at HVAC replacement after a storm, ask potential contractors the following questions:
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- Do you perform heat loss/gain evaluations?
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- Do you analyze insulation levels and air leaks?
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- Do you check the duct system to guarantee appropriate sizing and configuration?
5. Can I get an estimate in writing?
A written, itemized estimate is vital when reviewing bids from multiple HVAC contractors. Try to get a company that offers free estimates and trustworthy, direct pricing. Also, be sure to ask if the company charges per hour or by the job so you understand what you’re paying for. Just keep in mind that the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best deal, particularly if it’s considerably lower than the others. Odds are the contractor could attempt to cut corners to make the price seem fair or surprise you with hidden fees at the end.
6. Do you have any special offers?
Getting your HVAC system back to normal after a major storm isn’t always inexpensive. That’s why it’s worthwhile to ask about any savings you could qualify for when repairing or replacing your HVAC system. Also, figure out what financing and leasing options the contractor carries as a better way to cover unexpected HVAC services following a storm.
Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
Do you need a reputable contractor to repair your HVAC system after a nasty storm? You can’t go wrong with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We are a national company with hometown heart, a combination that helps us stay above the competition. If you value affordable prices, enduring results and complete satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Get a hold of your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office for help checking and fixing your HVAC system.