Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Severe weather can roll in anywhere, so most homeowners are familiar with storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can impact many parts of your property, including the landscape, roof, siding and windows.

Strong winds and water damage are also significant concerns for outdoor heating and cooling systems. In extreme weather, equipment could be pushed out of position, even falling on their sides and breaking electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even when systems remain upright, they will sometimes accumulate mud and other sediment, which needs to be cleaned before they can function like they’re supposed to.

For your safety when examining your storm-damaged home, don’t use the HVAC system until it has gotten the all-clear from a heating and cooling specialist. The trick is understanding who to hire for the job. After all, any random individual with a truck can claim to be an HVAC technician. An unqualified person tampering with your equipment might make matters worse, plus overcharge you and then vanish without a trace.

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

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?

Many states have implemented licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This delivers peace of mind that whoever works on the equipment has the proper training and coverage in case an accident unfolds. Additional ACE certification only further assists a contractor’s ability to provide high-quality service.

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

While longevity alone doesn’t offer a promise that a contractor will do a good job, it demonstrates that they are proficient enough to stay in business for the long term. If you’re able to, search for the company’s name online to confirm that they’re telling the truth about their experience.

While you’re at it, look up the contractors you’re thinking about on Google and other third-party review websites. Reviews from past customers present a detailed idea of what to expect.

For even more comprehensive answers, check with potential contractors for the contact details of previous 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 comfortable?
• Was the total 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 like confidence that the HVAC technicians who do the work are clean, dependable and safe to have around your family. For total peace of mind, talk to the contractor if background checks and drug tests are required before introducing new hires to the team.

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

If the storm damage is severe enough to wipe out your HVAC system, you will sometimes need a new one. That said, it isn’t enough to merely swap out one furnace and air conditioner for others. After all, an HVAC system is only as effective as the ductwork it uses. So if you’re looking at HVAC replacement following a storm, ask potential contractors these questions:

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

• Do you determine the duct system to guarantee appropriate sizing and configuration?

5. Can I get an estimate in writing?

A written, itemized estimate is vital when exploring bids from multiple HVAC contractors. Look for a company that provides free estimates and transparent, up-front pricing. Also, make sure to ask whether the company charges by the hour or per job so you recognize what you’re paying for. Just remember that the most affordable bid isn’t always the best deal, namely if it’s considerably lower than the others. It’s likely that the contractor will either cut corners to make the price doable or sneak in hidden fees at the end.

6. Do you have any special discounts?

Getting your HVAC system back to normal after a severe storm isn’t always low cost. 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 offers as a stress-free way to afford unexpected HVAC services after a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Do you need a trusted contractor to restore 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 pairing that helps us stay ahead of the competition. If you appreciate good prices, enduring results and complete satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office for help inspecting and fixing your HVAC system.