Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is a home utility we cannot live without. Approximately three-quarters of homes in America have air conditioning. HVAC system is a substantial investment in your indoor home comfort and hiring a reputable contractor to work on your heating and cooling equipment is part of preserving your investment. However, not all contractors are created equal. Even with so many options available to choose from, you need to ensure that you pick a reliable company. Here are a few qualities to look for when hiring your air conditioning contractor.
Certifications and licenses
Before hiring your HVAC contractor, check if they have the appropriate certifications. A technician is expected to complete an HVAC program to be certified. The program includes extensive training and experience working with HVAC systems. Even though not every state requires contractors and technicians to be certified, it is advisable to still look for a certified contractor. Also, ensure that they have state mandate certifications and are licensed. This shows that they are efficient, knowledgeable, and professional. Most states have a contractor’s board that each company must be accredited for.Â
Insurance
Always ask the contractor for proof of their insurance cover before they begin to work to protect yourself. When working on a complex HVAC system, anything can go wrong. If the contractor lacks insurance cover, that means you will have to incur the bill. Every state has its insurance requirements for contractors and technicians operating there. The contractor must be compliant with these regulations and have full insurance cover. Make sure to choose a licensed HVAC contractor with insurance cover.
Years of experience
Another quality to look at is how long the contractor has been in business. The longer the company has been in business, the better knowledge they have of the industry. Established companies with a long track record of work tend to stand behind and take pride in their work. They also keep up with the latest technology and education.
Positive customer reviews
The internet is a great place to find HVAC contractors but can also risk you into landing unqualified professionals. As you check what services they offer, make sure to look at what their customers have to say about their services. Customer reviews are essential in determining if the contractor is reliable. Positive reviews are a reflection of their work, whereas negative reviews speak otherwise. You can also check if the company is BBB accredited to be sure. A higher BBB rating means you can trust them. A good example is Absolute Airflow in Southern California. When you perform a Google search you can see they have over 500 reviews on Google. This is obviously a company you can trust compared to a company with only a handful of reviews.
Fair pricing
Whether you require a significant repair or installing a new system in your home, get a written price estimate first. Get at least three estimates and avoid those that are too high or low. Contractors that offer fair pricing value their service and are not out to rip customers with higher than usual prices. Any top HVAC company should not hesitate to provide a specific quote of how much you can expect to be charged.
Installing and repairing your HVAC can be expensive but a worthy investment in your home. Hire a reputable contractor who offers quality service and has enough experience to back it up. Another fast way to find the right contractor is to ask for referrals from friends, family, or neighbours who have recently had their air conditioning system worked on. This way, you can hire a contractor that you can trust and is reliable.
