Top 10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor

Top 10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor

  1. Do the research —
    Find out about license and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors in your state. Be sure they have a Ohio State HVAC License and can provide you with a copy of it. Make note of any uncomfortable rooms or excessive dust. This will help potential contractors better understand your heating and cooling needs.
  2. Workers Compensation —
    This is a big one. If one of the contractors workers gets hurt at your home he can sue you. Having workers compensation will protect you from this happening.
  3. Word of mouth —
    Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals. You can also contact local chamber of commerce for names of members in your city.
  4. Call references —
    Ask contractors for customer references of past jobs and call them. Ask about the contractor’s installation or service performance work, and if the job was completed on time and within budget and would you use them again in the future.
  5. Special offers —
    A heating and cooling system is one of the largest purchases you’ll make as a homeowner. Keep your costs down by checking around for available rebates or special off coupons on high efficiency ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment.
  6. Look for ENERGY STAR —
    ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings. Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings over the long term for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment.
  7. Expect a home evaluation —
    The contractor should spend significant time inspecting your current HVAC system and home to assess your proper needs. A bigger system isn’t always better, in fact an oversized system will cause comfort problems and higher utility bills, a contractor should size the heating and cooling system based on the size of your house, amount of insulation, and quality of windows. A good contractor will inspect your duct system for air leaks and static pressure and measure airflow to make sure it meets manufacturers specifications.
    • Get written, detailed estimates —
      When comparing contractors’ proposals, be sure to compare equipment, energy efficiency and warranties. A lowest price may not be the best deal if it’s not the most efficient and if it not installed to manufacturers specifications because your energy costs will be higher.
    • Get it in writing —
      Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It’ll protect you by specifying job costs, model numbers, list of equipment, job schedule and warranty information.
    • Pass it on to others —
      Tell friends and family and neighbors about ENERGY STAR HVAC Equipment. Almost one-quarter of American households knowingly purchased at least one qualified product in the last year, and 74% of those consumers say they would recommend ENERGY STAR to a friend. Spread the word, and we can all make a big energy saving difference.
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