Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Severe weather can roll in just about anywhere, so the bulk of homeowners are no strangers to storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can affect many aspects of your property, such as the landscape, roof, siding and windows.

Strong winds and water damage are also major concerns for outdoor heating and cooling systems. In dangerous weather, systems may be pushed out of position, frequently toppling over and breaking electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even when systems stay upright, they may collect mud and other debris, which needs to be cleaned out before they can operate like they’re supposed to.

For your safety when evaluating your storm-damaged home, don’t turn on the HVAC system until it has received the all-clear from a heating and cooling contractor. The trick is understanding who to hire for the job. After all, any random person with a truck can claim to be an HVAC technician. An unqualified person tampering with your equipment might make matters worse, plus overcharge you and then disappear without a trace.

Incidents like these tend to escalate after storm cleanup. To avoid being cheated, here are the top six questions to raise when hiring a heating and cooling contractor.

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?

Most states have licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This provides peace of mind that whoever works on the equipment has the proper training and coverage if an accident occurs. Additional ACE certification only further assists a contractor’s capability 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 great job, it indicates that they are proficient enough to remain in business for the long term. If you are able to, search for the company’s name online to confirm that they’re telling the truth about their experience.

At the same time, look up the contractors you’re thinking about on Google and other third-party review websites. Reviews from past customers provide a better idea of what to expect.

For even more comprehensive answers, check with potential contractors for the contact information of prior customers. As you get in touch with these references and check online reviews, seek answers to these questions:

  • Did the contractor finish the job on time?
  • Did the contractor leave the customer feeling comfortable?
  • Was the final bill the same amount as the up-front estimate?
  • Did a live person always answer calls, or did an answering machine pick up?

3. Are the technicians background-checked and drug-tested?

You deserve reassurance that the HVAC professionals who do the work are clean, trustworthy and safe to have around your family. For total peace of mind, ask the contractor if background checks and drug tests are mandated before bringing new hires to the team.

4. Can you evaluate the entire home HVAC system?

If the storm damage is serious enough to ruin your HVAC system, you might need another one. However, it isn’t enough to simply swap out one furnace and air conditioner for others. After all, a comfort system is only as efficient as the ductwork it’s attached to. So if you’re thinking about HVAC replacement soon after a storm, ask potential contractors the following questions:

  • Do you offer heat loss/gain evaluations?
  • Do you analyze insulation levels and air leaks?
  • Do you investigate the duct system to ensure appropriate sizing and configuration?

5. Can I get an estimate in writing?

A written, itemized estimate is vital when exploring bids from multiple HVAC contractors. Look for a company that provides free estimates and trustworthy, fair pricing. Also, don’t forget to ask whether the company charges per hour or by the job so you understand what you’re paying for. Just remember that the most affordable bid isn’t automatically the best deal, namely if it’s much lower than the majority. It’s likely that the contractor may try to cut corners to make the price doable or sneak in hidden fees at the end.

6. Do you have any special discounts?

Getting your HVAC system back online after a major storm isn’t always inexpensive. That’s why it’s advisable to ask about any savings you could qualify for when repairing or replacing your HVAC system. Also, look for what financing and leasing options the contractor offers as a stress-free way to pay for sudden HVAC services following a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Do you need a proven contractor to restore your HVAC system after a natural disaster? You can’t go wrong with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We are a national company with hometown heart, a formula that helps us stay in front of the competition. If you appreciate good prices, long-lasting results and total satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office for help checking and fixing your HVAC system.