No big decision should be made without first doing your homework, that includes the decision of choosing 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 good candidate to be a DIY project. You’ll need to find a contractor that is highly skilled in a number of areas. They will work out your home’s load calculation, pull permits to make sure local codes are met, check piping and plenty 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 mediocre performance from your system.
The professionals at Street Heating and Cooling have put together some questions to ask to guide you on your quest of finding your ideal HVAC contractor.
Do they have references or referrals?
If you’re looking to work with a company they should be able to furnish you with a list of recent customers that can authenticate the quality of their work. Once you receive that you can call and inquire about their recent HVAC projects, if they are happy with the results and if they would hire the company again in the future.
There are other sources you can look into like the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) and the Better Business Bureau. Looking up a contractor on BBB will allow you to read through consumer ratings and will also show you any customer complaints lodged against a company. The ACCA is a non-profit that enlists the know-how of over 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors that are a part of ACCA are serious about their profession and will enthusiastically provide you with referrals.
An additional option is enlisting the help of your friends on social media. These recommendations are received from people you know and trust. You’ll most likely 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 put together by a committee of the top industry experts.
Are they properly licensed and insured?
Almost every state requires licensure for HVAC contractors. This assists in protecting consumers from companies that use less than qualified workers. A simple online search will show you whether your state requires a license or not. If you reside in a state the requires a license and your contractor doesn’t have one, look elsewhere to avoid any issues.
When to ask these questions?
The ideal time to secure a quality HVAC contractor is before you experience a breakdown. If you get your system checked when it’s functioning properly and get your yearly maintenance scheduled to keep it running properly.
Building a relationship based on trust and experience is important to us at Street Heating and Cooling in Rapid City. Our professionals will gladly answer any questions you may have about home comfort. Give us a call at 605-206-3915 or set up an appointment with us using our online scheduler.