There are many reasons to hire an HVAC contractor. The professionals can help with routine maintenance and repairs to your system, but they are also very knowledgeable about installation, replacement, retrofitting, and even zoning to maximize efficiency. But a good contractor is not going to be easy to find. Some contractors may promise more than they can deliver or simply take your money and disappear. Instead of going through a trial-by-fire experience with a contractor, here are some tips to help you find the right HVAC company for your needs.

1. Do Your Research

Start by looking for contractors in your area. It is probably not a good idea to hire someone who operates out of another state, at least until you know that they can provide the services that you need. You should also look around online and see any reviews available for HVAC companies in your area. Pay special attention to stories posted on sites like Yelp and Angie's List.

2. Get More Than One Quote

Never hire a contractor without getting at least two quotes for the work. You should get all of your estimates in writing to avoid confusion about what was said and what was promised. This also gives you some room to negotiate.

3. Look for The Best Value

Just because a contractor charges less does not mean you are getting an inferior product or service. You should always look for HVAC contractors who offer the best value so that your costs are reasonable and you get a great return on your investment.

4. Check Their License and Insurance

Before you sign any contracts, be sure to check out the HVAC company's licensing and insurance. You don't want an unlicensed contractor touching your system because they could cause further damage, or worse yet, get hurt themselves while working on the job.

Again, any company you hire to work on your HVAC system should be fully insured. This protects you in case there is damage or an injury during the installation or repair process.

5. Get Referrals From Friends And Family

If you know anyone who has recently had their HVAC system serviced, ask them to recommend the company they used and give you a few details about what kind of work or service was provided. Chances are good that these companies will be able to handle your needs as well.

6. Ask About Their Service Offering

Not all HVAC contractors can handle everything you may need them to do. Some of these professionals are very good at HVAC installation, but they're not so good when it comes to repairs or service on existing systems. It is important that you know what type of company you are dealing with before hiring anyone for the job.

7. Look for Transparency

As you are interviewing potential contractors, look for those who are upfront and honest about all aspects of your job. A good contractor will answer your questions honestly, be open about their pricing structure, and show you the work they plan on doing before they start. If a contractor is evasive or seems hesitant to explain their work clearly, you should look elsewhere for your HVAC needs.

8. Ensure They Communicate Clearly

No matter what type of work you are having done, communication is key. You should always know exactly when someone will be at your home working on the job. A good HVAC contractor will also keep you updated about what they are doing during the different installation or repair stages. If a contractor fails to communicate with you properly from the word go, they probably aren't right for the job.

9. Get It in Writing

After choosing a contractor, get all of your work in writing. This not only allows you to review the document for accuracy and completeness, but it also can protect you if there are any problems with how the HVAC company completed the work.

10. Ask About Warranty

A good HVAC contractor will always offer some type of warranty on their work. Look for someone who offers a one-year warranty, at minimum, with 90 days being the standard period for most companies. Also, make sure that the company is willing to stand behind their warranty by offering to come back if any problems arise.

According to the DOE, improper installation can reduce HVAC effectiveness by as much as 30%. This is why it is so important to find the best HVAC contractor possible to ensure that your new system is set up properly and running at optimal efficiency. Looking for an HVAC contractor you can depend on? Call us today to learn more about our services.