Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Extreme weather can roll in anywhere, so most 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 common concerns for outdoor heating and cooling equipment. In extreme weather, systems could be pushed out of position, frequently toppling over and damaging electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even when systems remain upright, they can accumulate mud and other sediment, which needs to be removed before they can work correctly.

For your safety when assessing 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 knowing who to hire for the job. After all, any random individual with a truck can claim they’re an HVAC technician. Someone unqualified and tampering with your heating and cooling may make matters worse, plus overcharge you and then disappear without a trace.

Events like these tend to escalate around storm cleanup. To avoid being exploited, learn about the top six questions to raise when hiring a heating and cooling contractor.

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified?

Many states have licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This offers peace of mind that whoever works on your system has the proper training and coverage if an accident takes place. Continued ACE certification only further supports a contractor’s ability to ensure high-quality service.

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

While decades of service alone doesn’t guarantee a contractor will do a better job, it shows that they are skilled enough to stay 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.

At the same time, research the contractors you’re interested in on Google and other third-party review websites. Testimonials from past customers provide a good idea of what to expect.

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

• Did the contractor end the job on time?
• Did the contractor leave the customer feeling comfortable?
• Was the final bill the same amount as the starting 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 want reassurance that the HVAC technicians who complete the work are clean, reliable and safe to have around your family. For your peace of mind, talk to the contractor if background checks and drug tests are mandated before adding new hires to the team.

4. Can you evaluate the entire home heating and cooling system?

If the storm damage is significant enough to destroy your HVAC system, you might need a new one. That said, it isn’t enough to simply swap out one furnace and air conditioner for another. After all, an HVAC system is only as effective as the ductwork it’s attached to. So if you’re thinking about HVAC replacement soon after a storm, ask potential contractors these questions:

• Do you complete heat loss/gain evaluations?
• Do you assess insulation levels and air leaks?

• Do you check the duct system to ensure proper sizing and configuration?

5. Can I get an estimate in writing?

A written, itemized estimate is essential when reviewing bids from different HVAC contractors. Look for a company that includes free estimates and trustworthy, up-front pricing. Also, make sure to ask whether the company charges per hour or per job so you recognize what you’re paying for. Just remember that the cheapest bid isn’t automatically the best deal, namely if it’s much lower than the others. Odds are the contractor may try to cut corners to make the price seem fair or tack on hidden fees at the end.

6. Do you have any special promotions?

Getting your HVAC system back up and running after a major storm isn’t always cheap. That’s why it’s beneficial to inquire about any savings you could qualify for when repairing or replacing your HVAC system. Also, find out what financing and leasing options the contractor offers as an easier way to afford sudden HVAC services following a storm.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Do you need a reputable contractor to repair your HVAC system after a natural disaster? 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 prioritize affordable prices, lasting results and total satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office for help examining and fixing your HVAC system.