Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Bad weather can appear just about anywhere, so the bulk of homeowners are familiar with storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can impact many aspects of your property, such as the landscape, roof, siding and windows.

High winds and flooding are also common problems for outdoor heating and cooling systems. In extreme weather, systems may be pushed out of position, frequently toppling over and breaking electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even in situations where systems remain upright, they can amass mud and other debris, which must be cleaned out before they can function correctly.

For your safety when evaluating your storm-damaged home, don’t start the HVAC system until it has gotten the all-clear from a heating and cooling professional. The trick is understanding who to hire for the job. After all, any random individual with a truck can claim to be an HVAC technician. An unqualified person tampering with your system could make matters worse, and overcharge you and then vanish without a trace.

Situations like these often escalate after storm cleanup. To avoid being taken advantage of, learn about the top six questions to ask when hiring a heating and cooling contractor.

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?

Many states implement licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This provides peace of mind that anyone who works on the equipment has the proper training and coverage in case an accident occurs. Extra ACE certification only further assists a contractor’s capability to supply high-quality service.

2. What can you tell me about your experience and reputation?

While decades of service alone doesn’t offer a promise that a contractor will do a good job, it indicates that they are experienced enough to remain in business for the long term. If you are able to, search for the company’s name online to verify that they’re telling the truth about their experience.

While you’re at it, look into the contractors you’re considering on Google and other third-party review websites. Reviews from past customers provide a good idea of what to expect.

For even more specific answers, check with potential contractors for the contact information of prior customers. As you call these references and read online reviews, look for answers to these questions:

• Did the contractor complete the job on time?
• Did the contractor leave the customer feeling satisfied?
• Was the final bill the same price as the initial estimate?
• Did a live person always answer calls, or did an answering machine pick up?

3. Are your technicians background-checked and drug-tested?

You like reassurance that the HVAC professionals who perform the work are clean, trustworthy and safe to have around your family. For your peace of mind, talk to the contractor if background checks and drug tests are compulsory before bringing new hires to the team.

4. Can you examine the entire home heating and cooling system?

If the storm damage is severe enough to wipe out your HVAC system, you might need another one. However, it isn’t enough to merely swap out one furnace and air conditioner for others. After all, an HVAC system is only as efficient as the ductwork it uses. So if you’re considering HVAC replacement following a storm, ask potential contractors a few questions:

• Do you perform heat loss/gain evaluations?
• Do you check insulation levels and air leaks?

• Do you determine the duct system to provide proper sizing and configuration?

5. Can I get an estimate in writing?

A written, itemized estimate is essential when reviewing bids from different HVAC contractors. Try to get a company that includes free estimates and trustworthy, up-front pricing. Also, don’t forget to ask whether the company charges per hour or by the job so you recognize what you’re paying for. Just remember that the cheapest bid isn’t always the best deal, namely if it’s far lower than the rest. Odds are the contractor will either cut corners to make the price seem fair or sneak in hidden fees at the end.

6. Do you have any special discounts?

Getting your HVAC system back to normal after a severe storm isn’t always cheap. That’s why it’s worthwhile to request any savings you might qualify for when repairing or replacing your equipment. Also, figure out what financing and leasing options the contractor offers as an easier way to pay for unanticipated HVAC services following a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Do you need a trusted contractor to fix your HVAC system after a natural disaster? You can’t go wrong with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We are a national company with hometown heart, a pairing that helps us stay in front of the competition. If you value affordable prices, long-lasting results and total satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office for help inspecting and repairing your HVAC system.