Residential HVAC: Tips for Hiring a Good HVAC Service

Residential HVAC work can be a significant investment, one that requires homeowners to do their homework before hiring an HVAC service. If your residential property needs replacements, repairs, or maintenance to its air conditioning system, there are certain things to do and not do as you look for a cooling service. Below are eight tips for hiring an HVAC service that meets your needs.

 

Do: Ask for Proof of Bonding and Insurance

 

A company that lacks bonding and insurance won't be able to (a) compensate you for items that are stolen by its workers, or (b) compensate you for property damage resulting from its work. In addition to asking for proof of bonding and insurance, verifying the documents with the proper licensing authority is also recommended.

 

Don't: Allow Non-certified Technicians to Perform Work

 

Any technician who performs residential HVAC work should be certified to perform it. Although non-certified workers can be as capable as certified ones, certification demonstrates a technician has studied the principles and techniques of his or her line of work.

 

Do: Receive More than One Price Estimate

 

Receiving three estimates should give you a clear idea of the project cost. When requesting estimates, be sure to request them from companies that have excellent ratings and properly trained technicians. Companies that lack solid credentials may try to make up for it with lower estimates.

 

Don't: Sign a Contract Based on Price Alone

 

For large HVAC projects, some homeowners quickly accept the lowest bid, which could be a mistake. For example, a company that hires only NATE-certified technicians could bid higher to account for the higher pay of the technicians. Instead of dismissing the highest bid, ask the bidder to explain it. In some cases, the highest bid represents the highest quality of work.

 

Do: Ask for a List of References

 

Most residential HVAC companies are prepared to provide four references. But few are prepared to provide twelve. Asking for additional references for customers who had work performed in the last year offers valuable insight into the quality of a company's work. In some cases, additional references speak to a lower quality of work than a company's preferred references.

 

Don't: Provide Payment Upfront

 

A company asking for a full or partial payment upfront may need money to buy supplies for your project or pay its workers for a previous project. In any case, a successful company that works by contract should not need to be paid upfront.

 

Do: Ask for a Time Sensitive Service Contract

 

Not asking for a time-sensitive contract could lead to your project being drawn out indefinitely, especially if a service tends to schedule more projects than it has time for. The best policy is to stipulate in writing that a project must be finished by a certain date, or the service receives no payment.

 

Don't: Consult a Company that does not carry the Equipment You Want

 

Whether you want York air conditioning equipment or another brand, do not be talked out of the equipment by a company that does not carry it. In fact, if you are set on a certain type of equipment, only receive bids from companies that carry it. Otherwise, you will waste both the company's time and your own.

 

Top Qualities of a Commercial HVAC Provider

 

Seeing to the quality control of your company's HVAC system is one of the most important jobs a business owner or manager faces daily. You may not inspect the heating and air in your offices every day, but you rely upon the system to keep all office rooms and other venues - laboratories, dining areas, and showroom floors - comfortable and clean. When faults in the system threaten the productivity of your employees and even your overall profits, you are charged with ensuring repairs are done promptly. That said, if you plan to install a new system or contract a commercial HVAC provider to see to the regular maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment, it's important to find the right company to work with you.

 

What should you look for in a quality commercial HVAC provider?

 

1) Experience. How long has the company you are researching been in business? Are they a visible company in the community, and recommended by other businesses and the BBB? Research their reputation on the Internet and through business contacts to get a clear picture of the people who will handle your workplace HVAC equipment.

 

2) Reliability. A good commercial HVAC operation should make itself available to you when emergencies arise, regardless of the time of day...or night. Repairmen will arrive on-site promptly and make repairs efficiently and without interrupting your regular workflow.

 

3) Equipment. What sort of HVAC equipment does the company recommend and install? A reputable provider is often aligned with a trusted name in the industry, and if you are familiar with a specific brand of heating and cooling equipment you may feel more comfortable working with people approved by that brand.

 

4) Eco-Minded. How environmentally friendly is the company you are researching? Do they offer alternatives in HVAC operations that can reduce your carbon footprint while maintaining high energy efficiency? In the long term, you want to save money and keep a reasonable budget for your power plant. A reputable commercial HVAC company will help you. For more details click on Discover more

 

5) Cost. Shop around for the best estimate. If you feel an HVAC company is trying to sell you more equipment than you need, you may wish to seek a second estimate for services. A professional HVAC provider is concerned for your welfare and the comfort of those working under you while building their reputation for good service.

 

Seek referrals within your community for the best possible commercial HVAC contractor to provide the tools you need to maintain a functional and productive work environment.