Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Extreme weather can happen just about anywhere, so the majority of homeowners have experienced with some degree of storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can impact many portions of your property, like the landscape, roof, siding and windows.

High winds and floods are also significant problems for outdoor heating and cooling equipment. In extreme weather, equipment may be forced out of position, frequently falling over and breaking electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even if systems manage to stay upright, they can amass mud and other materials, which must be removed before they can operate properly.

For your safety when assessing your storm-damaged home, don’t turn on the HVAC system until it has gotten the all-clear from a heating and cooling professional. The trick is knowing who to hire for the job. After all, any random individual with a truck can argue they’re an HVAC technician. Someone unqualified and tampering with your heating and cooling might make matters worse, not to mention overcharge you and then leave without a trace.

Events like these often escalate during storm cleanup. To avoid being cheated, learn the top six questions to raise when hiring a heating and cooling contractor.

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?

Most states have implemented licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This provides peace of mind that whoever is working on things has the appropriate training and coverage if an accident occurs. Continued 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 longevity alone doesn’t offer a promise that a contractor will do a better job, it demonstrates that they are proficient enough to remain in business for the long term. If you’re able to, search for the company’s name online to determine that they’re telling the truth about their experience.

At the same time, look into the contractors you’re interested in on Google and other third-party review websites. Feedback from previous customers present a better idea of what to expect.

For even more comprehensive answers, ask potential contractors for the contact details of past customers. As you contact these references and check online reviews, look for answers to these questions:

• Did the contractor finish the job on time?
• Did the contractor leave the customer feeling content?
• Was the overall bill the same amount as the up-front estimate?
• Did a live person always answer calls, or did an answering machine pick up?

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

You want confidence that the HVAC technicians who do the work are clean, dependable and safe to have around your family. For total peace of mind, check with 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 ruin your HVAC system, you will sometimes need a replacement. That said, it isn’t enough to simply swap out one furnace and air conditioner for another. After all, a comfort system is only as effective as the ductwork it uses. So if you’re thinking about HVAC replacement following a storm, ask potential contractors the following questions:

• Do you complete heat loss/gain evaluations?
• Do you assess insulation levels and air leaks?

• Do you check the duct system to provide appropriate sizing and configuration?

5. Can I get an estimate in writing?

A written, itemized estimate is crucial when comparing bids from various HVAC contractors. Try to find a company that offers free estimates and honest, direct pricing. Also, make sure to ask whether the company charges hourly or by the job so you recognize what you’re paying for. Just be aware that the lowest bid isn’t automatically the best deal, namely if it’s considerably lower than the others. It’s likely that the contractor could attempt to cut corners to make the price seem fair or tack on hidden fees at the end.

6. Do you have any special discounts?

Getting your HVAC system back up and running after a serious storm isn’t always inexpensive. That’s why it’s beneficial to inquire about any savings you could qualify for when repairing or replacing your equipment. Also, figure out what financing and leasing options the contractor offers as an easier way to cover unexpected HVAC services after a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Do you need a trusted contractor to fix your HVAC system after a nasty storm? You can’t go wrong with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We are a national company with hometown heart, a combination that helps us stay above the competition. If you appreciate affordable prices, lasting results and total satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office for help checking and repairing your HVAC system.