Your heating and cooling system is essential for your home’s comfort, of course, but also for your family’s health. Heat waves, wet, muggy spring rains, and freezing winter nights all require a properly sized and working HVAC system. When that system stops working correctly or needs replacement, you don’t want to trust just anyone with those repairs. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed choosing the right HVAC contractor, but we’ll help you find a reliable and trustworthy company for all your residential HVAC maintenance needs.
1. Do Your Homework
Before calling any contractors, get to know your own system. Learn the brand, model, age, and maintenance history – at least as much as you can. This will help the contractor understand your needs and provide more accurate estimates. Also, it never hurts to research licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC companies in your state.
2. Ask for Referrals
Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool! Ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers who they’ve used for HVAC services. Positive recommendations are always a good sign, and you know you’ll get someone local.
3. Search Online & Read Reviews
Don’t limit yourself to referrals from friends. Search for heating and cooling contractors in your local area. Check reviews on reputable platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau to gauge a company’s reputation. It can also help to look at bad reviews to get a feel for how a company handles complaints as well.
4. Call Available References
Some residential HVAC maintenance contractors provide references from past or current clients. Make use of them! Ask about the work completed, whether the project stayed on time and budget, and the customer’s overall satisfaction. References provide valuable insights. If references are unavailable, or if you are uncomfortable “cold-calling,” talk to any neighbors with similar homes. Most of the time, homes in the same area were built around the same time. You may be able to get a feel for what repairs and maintenance you need based on the work they have done.
5. Go Beyond Price: Look for Value
A lot of the time, you get what you pay for. Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the sole factor. You also want to take into account the contractor’s experience, certifications (like NATE), the quality of equipment they offer, and their warranties. Reputable contractors will install a system or parts and will help you register those parts so you get the full warranty. However, having the same installation performed by non-certified contractors may void the warranty if they fail to register the equipment. The best value might not be the cheapest option!
6. Find Special Offers & Rebates
Many HVAC contractors have specials or participate in rebate programs for energy-efficient systems. Homeowners should make every effort to check around and see if you can save money while upgrading your home’s comfort and efficiency. The federal government is currently providing tax rebates for these services – beware of any company that is uninformed about these options!
7. Insist on a Home Evaluation
A reputable contractor won’t give you a quote without thoroughly evaluating your home and system first. They’ll assess your home’s size, insulation, windows, and ductwork for the best solution – not the most expensive system. Remember, when it comes to HVAC, size matters! Too big can be just as bad as too small – you need to be like Goldilocks and get it just right!
8. Request a Free Consultation
Most HVAC companies offer free consultations. Use this to ask questions, discuss your specific needs, and get a feel for the contractor’s knowledge and professionalism.
9. Get Written, Itemized Estimates
Never accept a verbal quote. A transparent contractor will provide an itemized, written estimate detailing the work, equipment costs, and warranties. They won’t have an issue with you shopping around and comparing offers because they’ll understand that you are making the best choice for your home.
10. Sign a Detailed Contract
Before work begins, get everything, everything in writing! A contract protects you by outlining the total scope, costs, projected timelines, warranties, and other important details.
Finding the Right Fit
Your HVAC system should be seen as a long-term investment in your home, and choosing the right contractor is an important decision. By following these tips, you’ll feel confident about the company you hire to work on your home. Remember, a reputable contractor should be happy to answer all your questions, put everything in writing, and prioritize your comfort and satisfaction.
When you need a qualified, trustworthy tech in your home, you need Carolina Custom. Contact us today to learn more about our HVAC services.
