Questions to Ask Your HVAC Contractor
Before you hire a heating and cooling business to work on your home’s AC unit or furnace, you need to vet it thoroughly. Learn what important questions to ask your HVAC contractor.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
One of the first questions you should ask involves whether or not the HVAC contractor has licensing and insurance. These credentials demonstrate the proficiency and experience of the HVAC business and also lower any liability you assume during the HVAC project.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
You should also find out how long the HVAC company has been in business. Those businesses that have years of experience could offer you a higher level of craftsmanship and better results.
Can You Provide Me with References?
As a potential customer, you have the right to check a contractor’s references before hiring it. A reputable HVAC company should have several references you can check to ensure you will receive services worth your time and money.
What Brands of HVAC Equipment Do You Recommend and Why?
As someone outside of the HVAC industry, you may need some help choosing the best heater or AC unit for your home. Ask the contractor you are considering for professional advice and make sure you understand the reasons behind this recommendation.
Do You Provide a Written Estimate?
A written estimate protects both you and the HVAC company you hire. It gives you a point of reference for how much you should spend and can also ensure the heating and cooling company avoids overcharging you.
What Do You Include in Your Estimate?
Find out what details go into that estimate. Will it include parts and labor? Will it also include the HVAC technician’s mileage and travel costs?
Do You Offer Finance Options?
If you want to avoid paying out-of-pocket upfront for most or all of the services, find out if the HVAC business has finance options. Also, learn what terms apply to any financing you obtain for your HVAC services.
What Kinds of Warranties Do You Offer?
Learn what specific warranties the HVAC contractor offers and clarify which components or services these warranties cover. Will they apply to the heater or furnace? Will they apply to any parts or repair services?
What Training and Certifications Do Your Technicians Have?
You have the right to ask about your technician’s training and certification. Find out if the technician learned on the job or at a vocational college. Also, find out if the technician has credentials like NATE and EPA 608 certification.
How Do You Handle Permits and Inspections
Discover if the contractor will obtain any permits needed for your project and what those permits should cost. Find out as well if you must have the final results from the project inspected.
Do the Technicians Clean Up After Themselves?
You may not want to clean up the mess your technician makes during the project. Ask if the technician must clean up after himself or herself once the HVAC project concludes.
How Do You Handle Customer Disputes?
You need to know how the HVAC business will handle any dispute you may have. Will the business refund some or all of your money if you are not happy with the results or equipment used?
What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings of the Recommended HVAC Equipment?
You can also ask the business what kind of energy efficiency rating the recommended HVAC equipment has. This information lets you know if your new furnace or AC unit will save you money by consuming less energy.
Are You Available for Emergency Repairs?
What happens if you need that recommended equipment repaired quickly? Will the HVAC business have a technician on call 24/7 to assist you? Will you have to wait until the next business day for AC or furnace repairs?
Do You Offer Maintenance Plans?
Finally, learn what, if any, maintenance plans the contractor offers. You can prepare ahead of time if you can have a technician professionally maintain your heater or air conditioner or if you must hire another service for this task.
At Jeffries Heating & Air + Plumbing, we have years of experience providing customers in the Somerset area with reliable heating and cooling services. Our business employs NATE-certified technicians and has accreditation and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We also earned recognition from HomeAdvisor as a Screened and Approved Provider. Our team offers electrical services as well. Contact us to ask any questions you have about hiring our technicians for your home’s HVAC needs.
