HVAC Contractor Hire Seem Daunting? It Needn't Be
Selecting the right HVAC contractor to install your new air conditioner or furnace is just as important as the equipment you choose. Proper installation is required for optimal safety, efficiency and reliability. Don’t be daunted by the task of hiring the right HVAC contractor. Instead, use this guide to aid you in your selection.
Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations: Their experience with a reputable contractor is a great place to start.
Call the contractor: Pay attention to how you’re treated on the phone. Reliable contractors are professional, prompt and courteous. Look for these features as they make their first impression.
Look for professional affiliations: North American Trade Excellence (NATE) is an organization that trains and certifies HVAC technicians. Trust the job to a NATE-certified tech for the best experience possible.
Seek estimates: This provides you with a price comparison. However, don’t give your business to a company that attempts to provide an estimate over the phone, since a load calculation must be performed before equipment size, and therefore cost, can be determined. In addition, think twice before accepting the lowest bid. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Ask about sizing techniques: With the cost estimate in hand, ask the HVAC contractor what sizing method they used to produce this estimate. If the contractor’s response is that they used the square footage alone to determine equipment size, wave them out the door. This rule of thumb is not accurate enough to give you the best results. Look for a contractor who uses formal sizing techniques found in Manual J.
Get everything in writing: A trustworthy HVAC contractor will provide a written proposal with details about the job at hand, such as the work to be done, labor costs and overall project price. The contractor will insist you sign a contract before work begins and ensures all changes are added and initialed as needed.
Please contact Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to work with a qualified HVAC contractor who can meet or exceed your expectations in every way. We have proudly served the Broken Arrow community since 1985.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock