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 affect many portions of your property, including the landscape, roof, siding and windows.

Heavy winds and flooding are also common issues for outdoor heating and cooling equipment. In extreme weather, equipment will sometimes be forced out of position, even falling on their sides and breaking electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even if systems remain upright, they can collect mud and other debris, which has to be removed before they can operate properly.

For your safety when assessing your storm-damaged home, don’t start the HVAC system until it’s gotten the all-clear from a heating and cooling specialist. The trick is identifying who to hire for the job. After all, any random individual with a truck can argue they’re an HVAC technician. A poorly trained person tampering with your equipment could make matters worse, and overcharge you and then vanish without a trace.

Incidents like these tend to escalate around storm cleanup. To avoid being cheated, learn the top six questions to share when hiring a heating and cooling contractor.

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?

Most states implement licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This delivers peace of mind that anyone who works on your system has the proper training and coverage in the event an accident takes place. Continued ACE certification only further helps 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 better job, it demonstrates that they are proficient enough to stay in business for the long term. If you can, look up the company’s name online to confirm that they’re telling the truth about their experience.

Simultaneously, look into the contractors you’re considering on Google and other third-party review websites. Reviews from previous customers give you a good idea of what to expect.

For even more definite answers, check with potential contractors for the contact info of previous customers. As you contact these references and look over online reviews, seek answers to the following questions:

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

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

You deserve assurance that the HVAC staff who perform the work are clean, dependable and safe to have around your family. For complete peace of mind, ask the contractor if background checks and drug tests are mandated before bringing new hires to the team.

4. Can you evaluate the entire home HVAC system?

If the storm damage is severe enough to ruin your HVAC system, you will sometimes need another one. That said, it isn’t enough to just swap out one furnace and air conditioner for another. After all, an HVAC system is only as effective as the ductwork it uses. So if you’re thinking about HVAC replacement soon after a storm, ask potential contractors the following questions:

  • Do you complete heat loss/gain evaluations?
  • Do you check insulation levels and air leaks?
  • Do you determine the duct system to provide appropriate sizing and configuration?

5. Can I get an estimate in writing?

A written, itemized estimate is essential when comparing bids from different HVAC contractors. Try to get a company that includes free estimates and honest, fair pricing. Also, make sure to ask whether the company charges by the hour or by the job so you understand what you’re paying for. Just be aware that the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best deal, namely if it’s far lower than the rest. It’s likely that the contractor will either cut corners to make the price attractive or tack on hidden fees at the end.

6. Do you have any special offers?

Getting your HVAC system back up and running after a serious storm isn’t always low cost. That’s why it’s worthwhile to ask 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 a better way to pay for unanticipated HVAC services after a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Do you need a reputable contractor to restore your HVAC system after a nasty storm? You can’t go wrong with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We are a national company with hometown heart, a formula that helps us stay ahead of the competition. If you prioritize fair 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 & Plumbing office for help inspecting and servicing your HVAC system.

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