HVAC contractors have a number of roles. They’re able to not only install new systems but also work to make your existing ones more energy efficient. If you have problems with your system, you can rely on contractors to tell you what repairs are required or what upgrades are necessary.

Finding the right HVAC contractor for your home or business is critical – and the process will vary based on your individual needs.

Identify Your HVAC Needs

Not all HVAC contractors are capable of assisting with every type of system on the market. You’ll want to consider the type of system that you have (or want). The most common systems include:

  • Split
  • Hybrid
  • Duct-free
  • Packaged

There are pros and cons to each system, and a reputable contractor will be able to tell you how one will be the better solution over the others.

Many of the decisions will be based on your budget, the amount of space that you want to cool, and what the floorplan of the space is – such as whether it is a home or business. Some systems may be an add-on to an existing system, such as if you are looking to cool/heat additions to the building, such as garages, warehouses, or a second story.

Explore the Reputation of a Contractor

You’ll want to ensure that an HVAC contractor is not only capable of meeting your needs but also has the experience and professionalism that you demand. Plenty of contractors will put on a great show to lure you in and take your money. By doing some research, you can ensure that your money is well spent.

There are a few resources to consider when checking out a contractor’s reputation.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) will show you the rating of contractors in your area. You can see whether they have an A+ rating (the best) as well as any complaints that may have been filed against them.

Yelp, Google, and Facebook contain peer reviews so that you can read about how a contractor’s past experiences have been rated. You can find out whether they are recommended as well as what was good/bad about the experience.

Finally, you can ask the HVAC contractor for testimonials. Find out, specifically, if they’ll give you the name and number of a past client or two. That way, you can call the clients to ask any questions you may have about the reputation and overall performance of the contractor.

Ask Questions

One of the easiest ways to find out about an HVAC contractor and what they can do for you is to ask. You can ask these questions online, over the phone, or in person. Their answers should be informative and tell you whether they’re capable of getting the job done to your standards.

What can be done to maximize energy efficiency?

You don’t want to spend more on energy bills than what’s necessary. Find out what recommendations the contractor has to save you money by improving the energy efficiency of your home or business.

What is a budget-friendly system?

Particularly when your budget is limited, you’ll want to find out what the best system is that you can have installed.

Is it possible to create zones?

Zones are a great way to improve energy efficiency and get the comfort level that you need/want. If you have areas that you want to be colder/warmer than others based on comfort or based on the number of people in an area, zones will be critical.

Are you licensed and insured?

While you may learn about this when checking out a contractor’s reputation, it’s important to find out whether they are licensed by the state and if they carry commercial insurance. Both are done to protect your investment and your property.

Schedule an Appointment

There’s no reason why you have to choose the first company that you go with – particularly if you want to do some cost comparisons. Book an appointment with an HVAC contractor to find out more about what they have to offer. Let them tour your space, make recommendations, and provide you with a detailed cost estimate.

Once you have spoken to several contractors and have multiple estimates to compare, you can be more confident about your decision.

Posted in HVAC system