Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Extreme weather can roll in just about anywhere, so most homeowners have experienced with some degree of storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can affect many portions of your property, such as the landscape, roof, siding and windows.

Heavy winds and floods are also major issues for outdoor heating and cooling systems. In extreme weather, equipment could be pushed out of position, frequently falling over and breaking electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even in situations where systems remain upright, they will sometimes accumulate mud and other sediment, which must be removed before they can work correctly.

For your safety when assessing your storm-damaged home, don’t use the HVAC system until it has gotten the all-clear from a heating and cooling professional. The trick is understanding who to hire for the job. After all, any random guy with a truck can claim to be an HVAC technician. Someone unqualified and tampering with your heating and cooling could make matters worse, plus overcharge you and then disappear without a trace.

Events like these tend to escalate around storm cleanup. To avoid being cheated, here are the top six questions to raise when hiring a heating and cooling contractor.

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?

The majority of states implement licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This delivers peace of mind that whoever works on things has the correct training and coverage in case an accident takes place. Additional ACE certification only further assists a contractor’s means to provide high-quality service.

2. What can you tell me about your experience and reputation?

While decades of service alone doesn’t promise a contractor will do a great job, it shows that they are skilled enough to remain in business for the long term. If you are able to, search for the company’s name online to confirm that they’re telling the truth about their experience.

At the same time, look into the contractors you’re considering on Google and other third-party review websites. Testimonials from prior customers present a better idea of what to expect.

For even more comprehensive answers, inquire with potential contractors for the contact information of previous customers. As you contact these references and look over online reviews, seek answers to the following questions:

• Did the contractor end the job on time?
• Did the contractor leave the customer feeling comfortable?
• Was the overall bill the same cost as the up-front estimate?
• Did a live person always answer calls, or did an answering machine pick up?

3. Are the technicians background-checked and drug-tested?

You like reassurance that the HVAC professionals who perform the work are clean, dependable and safe to have near your family. For your peace of mind, ask the contractor if background checks and drug tests are required before bringing new hires to the team.

4. Can you assess the entire home heating and cooling system?

If the storm damage is severe enough to ruin your HVAC system, you might need another one. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough to just swap out one furnace and air conditioner for others. After all, a comfort system is only as good as the ductwork attached to it. So if you’re thinking about HVAC replacement soon after a storm, ask potential contractors the following questions:

• Do you offer heat loss/gain evaluations?
• Do you analyze insulation levels and air leaks?

• 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 comparing bids from multiple HVAC contractors. Look for a company that includes free estimates and honest, direct pricing. Also, make sure to ask whether the company charges per hour or per job so you understand what you’re paying for. Just be aware that the most affordable bid isn’t automatically the best deal, particularly if it’s much lower than the rest. It’s likely that the contractor will either cut corners to make the price seem fair or tack on hidden fees at the end.

6. Do you have any special promotions?

Getting your HVAC system back to normal after a severe storm isn’t always low cost. That’s why it’s advisable to ask about any savings you may qualify for when repairing or replacing your equipment. Also, find out what financing and leasing options the contractor can offer as an easier way to afford unanticipated HVAC services as a result of a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Do you need a trusted contractor to fix your HVAC system after a natural disaster? You can’t go wrong with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We are a national company with hometown heart, a combination that helps us stay ahead of the competition. If you appreciate good prices, enduring results and total satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Get a hold of your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office for help inspecting and fixing your HVAC system.