Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Bad weather can roll in just about anywhere, so most homeowners are no strangers to storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can affect many portions of your property, like the landscape, roof, siding and windows.

High winds and floods are also common problems for outdoor heating and cooling systems. In dangerous weather, systems will sometimes be forced out of position, frequently falling on their sides and damaging electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even in situations where systems remain upright, they may collect mud and other materials, which has to be removed before they can function correctly.

For your safety when evaluating your storm-damaged home, don’t use the HVAC system until it has received 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 claim they’re an HVAC technician. A poorly trained person tampering with your system may make matters worse, and overcharge you and then disappear without a trace.

Situations like these may escalate after storm cleanup. To avoid being exploited, learn about 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 whoever works on your system has the appropriate training and coverage in the event an accident takes place. Continued ACE certification only further supports a contractor’s ability to provide high-quality service.

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

While decades of service alone doesn’t promise a contractor will do a good job, it demonstrates that they are experienced enough to remain in business for the long term. If you’re able to, search for the company’s name online to verify that they’re telling the truth about their experience.

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

For even more definite answers, check with potential contractors for the contact info of past customers. As you call these references and check 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 overall 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 your technicians background-checked and drug-tested?

You want assurance that the HVAC staff who complete the work are clean, reliable and safe to have around your family. For complete peace of mind, ask the contractor if background checks and drug tests are required before introducing new hires to the team.

4. Can you examine the entire home HVAC system?

If the storm damage is serious enough to wipe out your HVAC system, you may need a replacement. That said, it isn’t enough to merely swap out one furnace and air conditioner for others. After all, a comfort system is only as efficient as the ductwork attached to it. So if you’re considering HVAC replacement after a storm, ask potential contractors these questions:

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

• Do you check the duct system to ensure proper sizing and configuration?

5. Can I get an estimate in writing?

A written, itemized estimate is essential when exploring bids from multiple HVAC contractors. Try to get a company that offers free estimates and honest, up-front pricing. Also, make sure to ask if the company charges by the hour or per job so you know what you’re paying for. Just keep in mind that the most affordable bid isn’t necessarily the best deal, namely if it’s far lower than the rest. 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 discounts?

Getting your HVAC system back to normal after a major storm isn’t always inexpensive. That’s why it’s beneficial to request any savings you could qualify for when repairing or replacing your HVAC system. Also, figure out what financing and leasing options the contractor carries as a stress-free way to afford sudden HVAC services following a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Do you need a trusted contractor to restore 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 pairing that helps us stay ahead of the competition. If you value good 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 examining and servicing your HVAC system.