HVAC Repair Contractor
If your furnace has just died in sub-zero temperatures or your air conditioner has gone kaput on a sweltering day, you'll probably be glad to hire the first repairman who comes to your house that day. But, if you're planning a major or costly upgrade to your home's heating, air conditioning or air ducts, it's worth the time to research and interview several companies before hiring one.
When interviewing candidates, don't forget to ask about:
License, bond and insurance: Many states and municipalities mandate that heating and cooling contractors meet minimum education and on-the-job experience requirements, as well as pass written exams in order to be licensed to work in the heating and cooling industry.
In order to qualify for and continue to hold that license, HVAC companies frequently need to hold a minimum level of insurance and bonding. Any professional that works in your home should carry liability insurance to protect the homeowner in the case of accidental damage or injury.
References: A professional heating and air conditioning company should have a list of recent customers you can contact in order to verify that the company performed the work in a timely manner and to the customer's satisfaction. It's important to actually call those references to get relevant details about how their projects fared.
Estimates: Due to the high cost of repairing, replacing or installing new HVAC equipment, it's essential to get at least three written estimates from three different companies.
The project's cost is likely your most important consideration – and costs may vary widely from one company to the next - but it's also very important to ensure that the project's overall scope, details and completion dates are thoroughly documented.
Brands carried: When seeking estimates for new or replacement heating or cooling equipment be sure to ask prospective companies what specific manufacturers or equipment brands they carry. Unlike other home improvement contractors, HVAC companies often only carry a small selection of brands. If you're doing your own price comparison research on new equipment, you may need to limit your hiring choices to companies that specialize in your equipment brand of choice.
