Hiring an HVAC contractor is a difficult task—especially when you don’t know much about HVAC systems and how they work. You have several promising companies in mind, but they all sound pretty much the same on the surface. How do you know they’ll do the job properly? How do you know that the price they’re charging is reasonable? It’s all a matter of knowing what to ask. Here’s a list of questions you should ask your HVAC contractor before an installation or repairs.

1. Will you inspect the entire system? Many HVAC experts diagnose problems quickly, after only a cursory glance at the system and what it’s doing. If it really is a simple problem, then great. But what if it turns out to be something more serious? They fix the surface “problem,” but the underlying issue still persists. You end up having to call them again for another repair visit—and pay even more money. Make sure your HVAC contractor inspects the entire system the first time, to get to the root of the problem up front, and solve it before it ends up costing you more.
2. Will you use Manual J? For new HVAC system installations, proper sizing is essential. If your system is too small, it won’t be able to heat or cool your home properly. It will run too long, wasting energy and wearing out the system more quickly. If it’s too big, it will cycle on and off too frequently. This also wastes energy and wears out the system, and can create disparate temperatures within a single room, making the air clammy and uncomfortable. Before installing a new unit, your contractor should use Manual J to make sure it’s the right size for your home.
3. What’s included in your HVAC maintenance plan? A service contract can be a great way to keep your system in top condition, while saving money. For an annual fee, your HVAC contractor will come and inspect your system and perform basic maintenance to make sure it’s running efficiently. However, it’s important to know what’s included in the plan and what’s not. Some HVAC companies charge separately for A/C and furnace contracts. Some include discounted repairs throughout the year, free technician visits during normal business hours, priority access to repairs, and other perks. Before signing a service contract, get them to outline exactly what’s covered and what’s not, so you can determine if it’s worth the cost.
4. What certifications do you have? Unlike a lot of other service professions, there are no specific certifications required to perform most HVAC service jobs. However, there are a number of certifications available, in a number of different specific HVAC areas. Before hiring a contractor to do a particular job, you should find out if they’re certified in that area. In particular, ask about NATE Certification. North American Technician Excellence provides rigorous training standards for a variety of different technicians, including HVAC contractors. Certifications include A/C installation, gas furnace installation, heat pump installation, and many others.

These are just a few of the questions you should ask before hiring an HVAC contractor. If you’re looking for a quality HVAC technician to do the job properly, contact us. Our contractors are certified, experienced, and the very best at what they do.