Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Severe weather can happen wherever, so the majority of homeowners are familiar with storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can affect many portions of your property, including the landscape, roof, siding and windows.

High winds and water damage are also significant concerns for outdoor heating and cooling systems. In extreme weather, units will sometimes be forced out of position, frequently toppling over and damaging electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even if systems manage to stay upright, they will sometimes collect mud and other sediment, which needs to be cleaned before they can function correctly.

For your safety when assessing your storm-damaged home, don’t turn on the HVAC system until it’s gotten the all-clear from a heating and cooling contractor. The trick is knowing who to hire for the job. After all, any random person with a truck can claim to be an HVAC technician. A poorly trained person tampering with your equipment might make matters worse, not to mention overcharge you and then leave without a trace.

Incidents like these often escalate around storm cleanup. To avoid being taken advantage of, here are the top six questions to share when hiring a heating and cooling contractor.

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?

Many states implement licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This provides peace of mind that anyone who works on the equipment has the correct training and coverage in case an accident unfolds. Continued ACE certification only further assists a contractor’s means to ensure high-quality service.

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

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

At the same time, research the contractors you’re interested in on Google and other third-party review websites. Feedback from past customers give you a better idea of what to expect.

For even more comprehensive answers, check with potential contractors for the contact information of past customers. As you get in touch with these references and look over online reviews, look for answers to the following questions:

  • Did the contractor complete the job on time?
  • Did the contractor leave the customer feeling content?
  • Was the total bill the same amount as the starting 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 like reassurance that the HVAC technicians who perform the work are clean, trustworthy and safe to have near your family. For complete peace of mind, check with the contractor if background checks and drug tests are compulsory before adding new hires to the team.

4. Can you assess the entire home comfort system?

If the storm damage is serious enough to ruin your HVAC system, you might need another one. That said, it isn’t enough to just swap out one furnace and air conditioner for another. After all, an HVAC system is only as good as the ductwork it’s attached to. So if you’re considering HVAC replacement after a storm, ask potential contractors these questions:

  • Do you offer heat loss/gain evaluations?
  • Do you analyze insulation levels and air leaks?
  • Do you investigate the duct system to ensure proper sizing and configuration?

5. Can I get an estimate in writing?

A written, itemized estimate is essential when reviewing bids from multiple HVAC contractors. Look for a company that provides free estimates and transparent, direct pricing. Also, be sure to ask if the company charges by the hour or by the job so you understand what you’re paying for. Just keep in mind that the most affordable bid isn’t automatically the best deal, especially if it’s much lower than the rest. Chances are the contractor will either cut corners to make the price attractive or sneak in hidden fees at the end.

6. Do you have any special offers?

Getting your HVAC system back to normal after a major storm isn’t always cheap. 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 can offer as a better way to cover unanticipated HVAC services as a result of a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Do you need a reputable contractor to fix your HVAC system after unexpected flooding? You can’t go wrong with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We are a national company with hometown heart, a pairing that helps us stay in front of the competition. If you prioritize affordable prices, enduring results and complete satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office for help checking and servicing your HVAC system.

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