Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Bad weather can happen wherever, so the bulk of homeowners are familiar with storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can impact many parts of your property, like the landscape, roof, siding and windows.

Heavy winds and water damage are also significant issues for outdoor heating and cooling equipment. In severe weather, units will sometimes be pushed out of position, frequently falling over and causing damage to electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even if systems remain upright, they may accumulate mud and other sediment, which must be cleaned before they can work like they’re supposed to.

For your safety when evaluating your storm-damaged home, don’t use 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 claim they’re an HVAC technician. An unqualified person tampering with your heating and cooling may make matters worse, not to mention overcharge you and then vanish without a trace.

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

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?

Most states have licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This delivers peace of mind that whoever works on your system has the appropriate training and coverage in case an accident unfolds. Extra ACE certification only further assists a contractor’s ability to supply high-quality service.

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

While length of service alone doesn’t promise a contractor will do a good job, it shows that they are skilled enough to stay in business for the long term. If you are able to, look up the company’s name online to verify that they’re telling the truth about their experience.

While you’re at it, look up the contractors you’re considering on Google and other third-party review websites. Reviews from prior customers give you a better idea of what to expect.

For even more comprehensive answers, check with potential contractors for the contact info of prior customers. As you call these references and check online reviews, seek answers to these questions:

• Did the contractor finish the job on time?
• Did the contractor leave the customer feeling content?
• 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 new technicians background-checked and drug-tested?

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

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

If the storm damage is serious enough to wipe out your HVAC system, you will sometimes need a new one. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough to simply swap out one furnace and air conditioner for others. After all, a heating and cooling 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 perform heat loss/gain evaluations?
• Do you check insulation levels and air leaks?

• Do you determine the duct system to ensure correct sizing and configuration?

5. Can I get an estimate in writing?

A written, itemized estimate is crucial when reviewing bids from different HVAC contractors. Look for a company that provides free estimates and honest, fair pricing. Also, don’t forget to ask whether the company charges by the hour or per job so you know what you’re paying for. Just keep in mind that the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best deal, especially if it’s far lower than the majority. It’s likely that the contractor may try to cut corners to make the price attractive or surprise you with hidden fees at the end.

6. Do you have any special promotions?

Getting your HVAC system back online after a serious storm isn’t always inexpensive. That’s why it’s beneficial to ask about any savings you might qualify for when repairing or replacing your HVAC system. Also, look for what financing and leasing options the contractor carries as a better way to afford sudden HVAC services as a result of a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Do you need a proven 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 combination that helps us stay above the competition. If you appreciate fair prices, enduring results and total satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office for help examining and fixing your HVAC system.