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| Choosing a contractor with the experience and expertise you need shouldn't be a gamble. |
Getting Service You Trust On The Systems You Rely On The
Most: Questions to Ask
Your HVAC Contractor
Most of us aren’t lucky enough to have a heating and air
conditioning guru in the family and we don’t want to be wandering in the dark
when it comes to finding someone we can count on to repair our home comfort
systems.
Furnace repair or air conditioning service are areas of
expertise that most of us may not feel we even know enough about to know what
questions to ask before we let a company into our homes, so here are a few
questions you can ask before selecting a contractor to service or replace you
home’s HVAC systems.
1.
Does the contractor have a state license?
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| Safety is no joke! Make sure your contractor is putting your family's safety first. |
While many states now require HVAC
contractors to be licensed, the industry is full of “tailgaters” operating out
of their truck with no licensing or industry certifications. Unlicensed
contractors are unaccountable to anyone, including regulators and customers.
They are often unavailable when problems arise from poor installation, poor
service or improper equipment. Start your search off right by automatically
rejecting any company that can’t present its license certification.
2.
Are their technicians NATE certified?
To ensure quality, ask for a North
American Technician Excellence (NATE) certified technician. Certification gives
you the peace of mind knowing you are getting the best installation and service
from a highly skilled, knowledgeable and qualified technician.
3.
Is the contractor insured with general liability
and workers compensation insurance?
Your hope is nothing will happen other than a smooth installation when
you hire a contractor, but since you will have the HVAC technicians in your
home, monkeying with heavy equipment, you want to make sure the company carries
the appropriate liability and workers compensation insurances to cover any
situations that might arise. Many “tailgate” handymen do not have any or enough
insurance to cover damage that might be done to your home or injury that might
occur on the job leaving you as a homeowner at risk. Make sure you look for
contractors who are thinking ahead by insuring against these two important
situations.
4.
Does the company offer a guarantee on their
service and installations?
Part of being comfortable in your
home is knowing that your service company is as committed to your comfort as
you are. Look for a company that has a guarantee of their service and
installation, is aware of and abides by the terms of manufacturers warranties,
and wants to do whatever is reasonable to satisfy you.
5.
What tax credits, rebates or incentives might be
available for my project and is the contractor certified to take advantage of
those?
Depending on the type of home heating or cooling equipment you are
considering for installation or upgrade, you may qualify for federal or state
tax credits and/or manufacturer and utility company rebates. Make sure you ask
what incentives are available in your area and for the various types of
equipment that are in consideration for your project. You also want to make
sure your contractor properly documents your project to meet federal, state or
local incentive program requirements. Several programs require installers to
meet specific certification requirements as well. Make sure any contractor you
are considering is certified to do so.
6.
Do you have any unresolved complaints with the
Better Business Bureau?
Anyone who has ever worked with
the public knows it’s impossible to please all of the people all of the time,
but a good contractor will not let disputes linger. Customer service and
satisfaction should be the number one priority for any contractor you work
with. A quick phone call to the Better Business Bureau is a good way to add to
your level of comfort when choosing a contractor.
7.
What manufacturers or equipment brands do you carry?
Your home comfort systems can be one of the largest investments you will
make in your home. It can have a lasting impact on how you enjoy your home for
years to come. So make sure your contractor is aware of, services and installs
the latest in brands, systems and equipment that will best make your home
comfort system a system you can trust. Don’t be afraid to do a little research
on your own using the resources you have via the internet to look for brands
with good reputations and then look for a contractor that has the experience to
ensure your home will enjoy that reputation as well.
8.
What kind of experience does the technician have
on your kind of system?
Taking advantage of cutting edge
technology in home comfort systems you can maximize energy efficiency, improve
total home comfort, improve health and protect your family from allergens. Make
sure any air conditioning contractor you are considering is aware of and
experienced in servicing and installing the latest in technology. Many homes
are also running strong on older systems that have served them well. Take a moment to ask a potential
heating contractor what kind of experience they have in the system currently
running in your home.
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| Don't let price be the only factor in your decision. Experience and expertise are critical to ensuring your family is getting the service and safety they deserve and you demand. |
9.
Do they offer financing?
Even if you don’t need to make payment arrangements in order to pay for
the cost of repairs or new equipment, the ability to provide that service is a
sign of a more stable, customer-oriented company. Look for a contractor that accepts all major credit cards,
and is able to help you arrange financing for larger repairs or replacements.
10.
Does the company give you choices?
There are a wide variety of
options for heating and cooling your home. A good contractor will present you
with choices in efficiency, controls, financing and more. They should provide
these choices to you in an easy to read and professionally delivered format so
you can make informed and educated decisions.
11.
Are there more energy efficient options? Is the
contractor aware of and up to date in understanding and selling energy
efficient equipment?
Contractors should be up on the latest in energy-saving equipment,
including Energy Star. Sometimes a higher initial cost may seem prohibitive,
but the energy savings in the long run can far out way the initial cost. Look
for a contractor who will discuss all options with you and not focus solely on
initial price. Look for
technicians who are trained in improving equipment efficiency and can instruct
you on regular maintenance that will help you extend the life and efficiency of
your equipment.
12.
Can
I get a bid and references?
Getting a bid and references is critical in making the choice of which
heating and air conditioning contractor to work on your home comfort
system. A professional, easy to
understand bid allows you to make informed and educated decisions. A contractor should be ready and able
to provide a list of recent customers who you can refer to in order to verify
that the company in questions performed the work in a timely manner and to the
customer’s satisfaction.
Choosing
the right heating and air conditioning contractor should not be a random choice
or luck of the draw. It is an important decision that can have a lasting impact
on your home, your family and your peace of mind. At Nebo Comfort Systems we
are committed to giving you service you can always trust on the systems you
rely on the most.
