Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Bad weather can happen wherever, so the bulk of homeowners are familiar with storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can damage many parts of your property, such as the landscape, roof, siding and windows.

Strong winds and flooding are also major problems for outdoor heating and cooling equipment. In dangerous weather, systems could be forced out of position, frequently falling over and damaging electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even in situations where systems stay upright, they will sometimes accumulate mud and other debris, which has to be removed before they can function properly.

For your safety when examining your storm-damaged home, don’t turn on the HVAC system until after it’s received the all-clear from a heating and cooling technician. The trick is identifying who to hire for the job. After all, any random individual with a truck can claim they’re an HVAC technician. A poorly trained person tampering with your system may make matters worse, and overcharge you and then leave without a trace.

Incidents like these often escalate after storm cleanup. To avoid being exploited, learn the top six questions to ask when hiring a heating and cooling contractor.

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?

Most states implement licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This delivers peace of mind that whoever works on the equipment has the appropriate training and coverage if an accident unfolds. Continued ACE certification only further supports a contractor’s means to provide high-quality service.

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

While length of service alone doesn’t promise a contractor will do a good job, it demonstrates that they are proficient enough to remain 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.

Simultaneously, look up the contractors you’re considering on Google and other third-party review websites. Testimonials from previous customers provide a better idea of what to expect.

For even more definite answers, ask potential contractors for the contact info of prior customers. As you contact these references and look over online reviews, look for answers to the following questions:

• Did the contractor end the job on time?
• Did the contractor leave the customer feeling content?
• Was the final bill the same price as the initial 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 want confidence that the HVAC technicians who do the work are clean, reliable and safe to have around your family. For complete peace of mind, ask the contractor if background checks and drug tests are mandated before introducing new hires to the team.

4. Can you examine the entire home HVAC system?

If the storm damage is severe enough to wipe out your HVAC system, you might need a new one. That said, it isn’t enough to merely swap out one furnace and air conditioner for another. After all, a heating and cooling system is only as good as the ductwork it’s attached to. So if you’re looking at HVAC replacement after a storm, ask potential contractors these questions:

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

• Do you check the duct system to provide correct sizing and configuration?

5. Can I get an estimate in writing?

A written, itemized estimate is crucial when comparing bids from different HVAC contractors. Try to get a company that offers free estimates and trustworthy, up-front pricing. Also, don’t forget to ask whether the company charges per hour or by the job so you recognize what you’re paying for. Just keep in mind that the most affordable bid isn’t always the best deal, particularly if it’s much lower than the rest. It’s likely that the contractor will either cut corners to make the price seem fair or sneak in hidden fees at the end.

6. Do you have any special promotions?

Getting your HVAC system back to normal after a serious storm isn’t always inexpensive. That’s why it’s worthwhile to request any savings you could qualify for when repairing or replacing your equipment. Also, find out what financing and leasing options the contractor can offer as a better way to cover unexpected HVAC services as a result of a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Do you need a reputable contractor to restore your HVAC system after unexpected flooding? 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 value affordable prices, lasting results and complete satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office for help examining and repairing your HVAC system.