Tags: North Port AC, North Port AC Maintenance, North Port Air, North Port Air Conditioning, North Port New AC
90% of homes in the United States have an AC unit. However, not every household schedules regular preventative maintenance checks with a local HVAC contractor.
Before you hire the first person you find in the phonebook, think it through.
Here are 10 questions to ask your contractor before letting them work on your HVAC system. By asking these questions beforehand, you can make sure you’re hiring the best contractor for the job. Otherwise, their lack of expertise might do you more harm than good.
Find a qualified HVAC contractor and discover peace of mind by asking these 10 questions!
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
First, you want to find an HVAC contractor who has hands-on experience in the industry. Find a contractor who has worked on HVAC systems for years.
You also want to make sure they’ve worked on cases that are similar to yours.
Maybe your HVAC unit needs a simple tuneup. If the problem is more complicated than that, however, you want to find someone who has experienced the same issue in the past. Otherwise, they’ll waste valuable time trying to fix a problem without a go-to solution in mind.
Finding a contractor who has hands-on experience will help you feel confident you’re hiring the right person.
Asking these HVAC questions will also help you extend the life of your HVAC unit. Hiring a contractor who knows what they’re doing will improve your unit’s energy efficiency. By improving your unit’s performance and extending its lifespan, you’re saving money!
However, it’s important to note that not every HVAC business or technician will have 50 years in the business.
Instead, look for someone who has the hands-on experience to answer your AC and heating questions without stumbling to find an answer.
2. Are You Licensed & Insured?
There are many companies out there who aren’t licensed. This could put your family and the value of your home at risk.
Look for an HVAC company that has copies of their license you can review. Then, double-check online to make sure their license is current.
The HVAC company or tech will need a building permit to complete their work on your home. However, many companies skip this step. Make sure the company has the proper licensing and permits.
If the job is completed without the proper paperwork and it doesn’t meet code requirements, you could have to make the repairs at your own expense.
These repairs could invalidate your HVAC unit’s warranty and restrict your ability to make certain improvements.
Hiring a company that doesn’t have the right insurance could open you up to liability. When reviewing these questions to ask your contractor, don’t forget to ask if they have insurance. If they do, you’ll have the peace of mind that you’re protected in case an accident occurs on your property.
The insurance policy should include workmen’s compensation.
Otherwise, you could be held liable.
3. What Services Do You Provide?
Most HVAC contractors have the skillset and capability to offer a number of basic services. These can include:
- Heating and air installation
- Repairs
- Maintenance
Some technicians also offer additional services, such as:
- Duct cleaning
- Geothermal
- Commercial HVAC
- Indoor air quality inspects
- Refrigeration
Try to choose a contractor that specializes in numerous HVAC services. They’ll have the experience and expertise to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency.
4. What Certificates Do Your Technicians Have?
You don’t want to work with a company that lacks formal training. Instead, make sure to ask about the company’s training standards before requesting an HVAC quote.
The technicians won’t necessarily have a degree from a university.
However, they might have formal training or certification in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation. This training will ensure the HVAC technicians are capable of performing high-quality services to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
5. Can I Speak to a Previous Client?
Speaking with references can give you additional insight into a company’s capabilities and reputation.
See if the HVAC company is willing to provide these references. If not, head online and look for Google reviews yourself. Search for reviews that indicate the contractor helped save the homeowner’s money and improved their energy efficiency.
6. Do You Offer Maintenance Programs?
As much as half of the energy in your home is reserved for heating and cooling. However, that number can jump if your HVAC system isn’t running efficiently. By scheduling a regular maintenance check, you can make sure your HVAC system is working at its best.
Finding an HVAC contractor that offers maintenance plans will help you find the program that best suits your needs.
Ask about these plans and if you can tailor them to your home’s needs and preferences.
Signing up for a maintenance plan will ensure your unit is inspected at least twice a year for worn and damaged parts. That way, you can receive the repairs you need as soon as possible. Delaying in these repairs could cause your unit to work double-time, which will increase your energy costs.
Worried you’re overdue to maintenance and repair? Check out this list to determine if you need to call an HVAC professional.
8. What Types of Systems Are You Familiar With?
Make sure the HVAC contractor is familiar with your specific unit. If they’re not up-to-date with the latest HVAC technology, look for someone who is.
Finding a contractor who is familiar with your unique will save you time and stress. If you paid for a newer, more efficient system, you want to make sure it’s running at its best. A contractor who isn’t familiar with your unit might miss specific issues.
9. What’s Included In Your Quote?
Many of these questions to ask your contractor will help you recognize their capabilities. If you feel confident they have the abilities you need, ask for a quote.
Then, make sure you understand everything that’s included in the HVAC quote.
Quotes from different companies can differ. Make sure the quote states everything needed to complete the installation in detail, including labor, parts, permits, and warranty information.
10. What Do You Guarantees Cover?
Before signing a contract, make sure you understand what’s included in the guarantee. Don’t use verbal agreements. Instead, make sure everything is put into writing in the contract.
Hiring an HVAC Expert: 10 Questions to Ask Your Contractor Beforehand
Before hiring an HVAC expert, you’ll want peace of mind that they’re equipped to handle the job. With these 10 questions to ask your contractor, you can find that peace of mind. Discover the best local HVAC company in Punta Gorda, FL with these 10 questions today!
We’re here to help! Contact us today for your AC repair and maintenance needs.