No big decision should be made without first doing your homework, that includes the decision of deciding on an HVAC contractor. You’ll want to seek out a contractor that will listen to you and ensure they are meeting all your home comfort needs.
HVAC installation isn’t a project you want to attempt to DIY. You’ll need to find a contractor that is highly skilled in many areas. They will work out your home’s load calculation, pull permits to make sure local codes are met, check piping and a bunch of steps in-between. If your top-of-the-line system doesn’t get a top-of-the-line installation, you’re more likely to get subpar performance from your system.
The team at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. have put together some questions to ask to assist you on your journey of finding your ideal HVAC contractor.
Do they have references or referrals?
When deciding to work with a company they should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that can authenticate the quality of their work. From there you can call and inquire about their recent HVAC projects, if they are pleased with the results and if they would choose the company again in the future.
You can also check with sources like the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) and the Better Business Bureau. Finding a contractor on BBB will allow you to look through consumer ratings and will also show you any customer complaints lodged against a company. The ACCA is a non-profit that enlists the knowledge of over 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors that are a part of ACCA are serious about their profession and will happily provide you with referrals.
One other option is asking for the help of your friends on social media. These recommendations are given by people you know and trust. You’ll probably not only get feedback on what contractors to use, but also who to avoid. If you’re looking for suggestions from your neighbors, nextdoor.com is literally a a social network comprised only of your neighbors.
Are they NATE-certified?
If your contractor is NATE-certified you can guarantee that you’re getting a contractor that meets the highest standards in installation and service. NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is a non-profit organization for HVAC technicians. Before becoming NATE-certified a technician has to pass specialized and real-world tests that were created by a committee of the top industry experts.
Are they properly licensed and insured?
Almost all states require licensure for HVAC contractors. This assists in protecting consumers from companies that use less than qualified workers. A quick online search will show you whether your state requires a license or not. If you live in a state the requires a license and your contractor doesn’t have one, look elsewhere to avert any issues.
When to ask these questions?
The ideal time to find a quality HVAC contractor is before anything breaks down. If you get your system checked when it’s functioning properly and get your regular maintenance scheduled to keep it running properly.
Building a relationship based on trust and experience is important to us at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. in Muskogee. Our professionals will happily answer any questions you may have about home comfort. Give us a call at 918-682-8238 or set up an appointment with us using our online scheduler.