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If your HVAC system is not functioning as it ought to, it can affect your comfort and be quite unbearable. No matter the discomfort you might feel, it’s not advisable to hire any HVAC contractor you come across. If you choose the wrong person, you might end up damaging your system, given the complexity of these systems.
It’s important to hire a technician who is experienced in dealing with a wide range of issues and provides the appropriate service response. You can visit https://www.firstratephc.com/ to learn about the services these professionals provide. So, what’s the process for finding and hiring the right HVAC contractor? This article has the answer you need, as we’ll reveal tips that will guide you in making the right choice.
Know Your HVAC System
No one is expecting you to be an HVAC expert. However, before you hire one, you need to know the basics of your system. This will help you properly interview the contractors you’ll have on your list.
Furthermore, the knowledge you possess will help the technician give you the appropriate quote. Many times, homeowners pay more than a repair is worth because the information they present to the technicians is not accurate. Therefore, to save you from such an issue, here is relevant information you must know about your system and provide:
- The manufacturer’s brand and model
- Short repair and maintenance history of the unit
- Brief and accurate description of the present issue including when it started
Get a List of Potential Contractors
The next step is to create a list of potential contractors you might hire. It’s always advisable to have a minimum of three HVAC service companies on your list. Doing this will give you enough options to pick from.
How do you find these companies? Well, that’s easy. You can ask your family, friends, and neighbors if they know of any reputable technicians. It should be professionals with whom they’ve had a working relationship, not just someone they have heard of.
Furthermore, you can also search online via Google to look for HVAC contractors near you. Also, you can use reputable platforms such as Angi to ensure you get certified professionals. Another option is to check the licensing board website for your state. Lastly, you can check the searchable database of The Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
Confirm their Credentials
Even if the company says they have all sorts of certifications and licenses, don’t just take their word for it. Ensure that you carry out thorough research to verify their claims. Once again, you can use the licensing board of your state to verify if they are indeed licensed. Angi’s License Check tool can be used to get the licensing requirements of your state.
Several organizations provide certifications to these professionals who excel in training, skills, and experience on the job. The more certifications a technician has, the more experienced, trained, and skilled they are. Some of the certifications you must confirm the contractor has are:
- NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Certification
- ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) HVAC Quality Installation Certification
- EPA Section 608 Technician Certification
Another important credential the contractor must possess is insurance. The insurance must cover any staff that works in your home and any damages that might occur on the job. You can read this article to learn how to prevent being liable for home contractor injuries. With this in place, you can have peace of mind while they do their job.
Ask for References
As you go through the steps we’ve shared so far, it’s expected that you strike off any company that doesn’t meet the standards we’ve talked about. If they are still on your list at this point, then it’s time to contact them. One important thing you need to request is references.
Speaking to these previous clients will help you determine the professionalism of the technician. Mind you, if the professional refuses or fails to provide you with references upon request, consider them unprofessional and take your business elsewhere. On the other hand, if they provide the references, contact the individuals as soon as possible. After greeting and introducing yourself, here are some questions you can ask them:
- What type of work did the technician do for you?
- Were you given a quote before the job was done?
- How close was the final cost to the quote you received?
- Did they finish the work within the estimated timeline?
- Did they leave the site orderly and neat during and after the work?
- Would you employ them again?
Choose Experienced and Well-Trained Contractors
Experience is something you shouldn’t overlook, given how complex HVAC systems can be. You need someone who has had hands-on experience and is not still in training. It’s advisable to hire someone who has dealt with all the major types of HVAC systems as well as the unknown ones.
You can ask the following questions to confirm how well-trained and experienced they are especially in dealing with the specific components of your system:
- Have you fixed an issue with this manufacturer’s brand and model in the past?
- What exactly did you fix?
- Have you been trained specifically for this brand?
Compare Quotes
Finally, you need to ask the contractors for quotes. Once you get them, compare them carefully. You can visit realhomes to learn how to compare quotes. Once you are sure you are not being hoodwinked, choose the most competitive and appropriate price and contact the contractor to come fix your HVAC system.
Conclusion
Finding and hiring an HVAC contractor is not so difficult if you know what to do. In the article above, we’ve simplified the process to help you hire the best technician. So, what are you waiting for?It’s time to get your HVAC up and running again.
