No major decision should be made without first doing your homework, that includes the decision of deciding on an HVAC contractor. You’ll want to secure a contractor that will listen to you and make sure they are meeting all your home comfort needs.
HVAC installation is not something you want to try to DIY. It’s important to secure a contractor that is highly skilled in a number of areas. They will work out your home’s load calculation, pull permits to guarantee local codes are met, check piping and a whole slew 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 Patterson & Stirling Inc have put together some questions to ask to guide you on your pursuit 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 provide you with a list of recent customers that can verify the quality of their work. From there you can call and inquire about their recent HVAC projects, if they are satisfied with the results and if they would work with 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. Searching a contractor on BBB will allow you to see consumer ratings and will also show you any customer complaints lodged against a company. The ACCA is a non-profit that utilizes the knowledge of over 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors that are members of ACCA are serious about their profession and will gladly provide you with referrals.
Another option option is enlisting the help of your friends on social media. These recommendations are coming 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 social network of your neighbors.
Are they NATE-certified?
If your contractor is NATE-certified you can have confidence 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 developed by a committee of the top industry experts.
Are they properly licensed and insured?
Almost all states require licensure for HVAC contractors. This provides protection for consumers from companies that use unqualified 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 find a quality HVAC contractor is prior to a breakdown. If you get your system checked when it’s running properly and get your annual maintenance scheduled to keep it running properly.
Building a relationship based on trust and experience is important to us at Patterson & Stirling Inc in Erie. Our professionals will gladly answer any questions you may have about home comfort. Give us a call at 814-308-0416 or set up an appointment with us using our online scheduler.