The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential for many reasons. For one, it affects the air quality inside the building, which can eventually affect the health and wellness of the occupants. Your HVAC also influences the comfort and convenience of the occupants and your energy bills every month.
Hiring an HVAC contractor is necessary if the system requires upgrades, repairs, or replacements. But with the number of HVAC contractors operating today, do you know which to hire? Are you aware of the factors to consider to narrow down your options? This article will guide you with important questions you need to ask your HVAC contractor before hiring them.
Carefully assess the HVAC contractors in your area by asking them the questions below. The answers you can get can help you determine which HVAC contractor suits your needs.
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How Long Have You Been In The Industry?
How would you feel if a mechanic who has been working for two weeks only would repair your car? You’ll probably feel nervous as you’re unsure whether this person can do the job well. The same works when hiring an HVAC contractor—their experience should be a deciding factor.
Always ask the HVAC contractor about the number of years they have been in the industry. Hiring Dowd Heat & Air and other HVAC contractors with a long track record in the industry will give you peace of mind knowing that they know what they’re doing and can fix unexpected problems during the project.
The years of experience of the HVAC contractor also speaks volumes on the quality of their services. How can they continue operating in the industry if clients are unsatisfied with their services?
Are You Licensed?
The HVAC system is composed of complex parts. Thus, letting someone unqualified repair it will only cause more damage. Moreover, it can cause a lot of stress and adversely affect the comfort of the occupants of the building.
To ensure that you’ll end up hiring an HVAC contractor with the necessary training and skills for the job, ask for a copy of their license. A license is a state-issued document illustrating that the contractor possesses the requisite skills and characters for the job and provides services that meet the standards set by the local laws and codes.
Can You Provide References?
It’s common for an HVAC contractor to try to sweet talk you into hiring them. They’re running a business, which is why they need to attract clients. The more clients they have, the longer their business can operate.
However, you should never hire an HVAC contractor based on their words—you should always ask for references to gauge if they can walk the talk. Ask names and contact numbers of their previous clients and make sure that you talk to them. The experience of their previous clients will help you assess the quality of work, professionalism, and timeliness of the service.
If the HVAC contractor won’t or can’t provide you with a list of references, start looking for other options. This is often a red flag, showing that the contractor is all talk and no action.
What’s Your Physical Address?
The advent of technology has made it easier for scammers to fool people worldwide. Today, anyone can pose off as an HVAC contractor, talk to a client online, and disappear the moment the client sends payment. Make sure that you don’t fall victim to any of these scams by asking for the physical address of the HVAC contractor.
Regardless of how convincing the HVAC contractor is, don’t forgo asking them about their physical address. Once the contractor gives you an address, take the time to visit the location. This will allow you to assess the legibility of the business and the professionalism of the staff.
An HVAC contractor who doesn’t provide a physical address—and would likely insist on giving you a website—is a red flag. Make sure that you don’t hire them.
How Soon Can You Start?
HVAC problems often require immediate solutions as these significantly affect the daily living of the occupants. For example, if your HVAC system is severely damaged and your air conditioning no longer works, you need to hire a contractor to fix it ASAP. Leaving this problem unattended for days will cause the occupants to sweat excessively and feel uncomfortable.
When scouting for an HVAC contractor, ask how soon they can start. Don’t assume that they will start working when you secure the down payment or sign the contract. HVAC contractors are usually booked out during the cold and hot seasons, so don’t assume when their working timeline will start. Always ask to avoid any problems.
How Much Does The Service Cost And What Is Your Acceptable Payment Method?
Hiring an HVAC contractor will cost money from your pocket. However, it would be best if you were keen on the amount you’re going to pay because hiring an HVAC contractor who charges way beyond your budget can cause many problems down the road.
Don’t forget to ask about the cost of the service you want to avail from the HVAC contractor. Aside from the price, inquire about their acceptable mode of payment, as well. Do they accept cash? Or do they prefer cheques or credit cards? This information will make it easier for you to budget your finances and avoid compromising other expenses just to pay the contractor on time.
Do You Offer Warranty?
As mentioned, hiring an HVAC contractor is costly, which means that the more frequent you hire them, the more money you’ll have to spend. This can snowball into many problems, especially if you have a shoestring budget.
Before hiring an HVAC contractor, inquire if they offer any warranty. As much as possible, you should work with a contractor who offers warranties on labor, parts, air filter, and maintenance, as these will help you save money in the long run.
Don’t Make Hasty Decisions; Interview Options First
Hiring an HVAC contractor can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time. Having options is good, but having too many may be overwhelming and stressful.
Find the best HVAC contractor in your area by scheduling an interview and preparing the important questions you need to ask your HVAC contractor before hiring them. The answers they’ll provide will help you know them better and assess which one meets your preferences.
