No big decision should be made without first doing your homework, that includes the decision of deciding on an HVAC contractor. You’ll want to secure a contractor that will listen to you and make sure they are meeting all your home comfort needs.
HVAC installation isn’t a project you want to attempt to DIY. It’s important to secure a contractor that is highly skilled in many areas. They will work out your home’s load calculation, pull permits to make sure local codes are met, check piping and plenty of steps in-between. If your top-of-the-line system doesn’t receive a top-of-the-line installation, you’re more likely to get mediocre performance from your system.
The professionals at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating have put together some questions to ask to assist you on your journey of finding your ideal HVAC contractor.
Do they have references or referrals?
If you’re looking to work with a company they should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that can authenticate the quality of their work. Once you receive that you can call and inquire about their recent HVAC projects, if they are satisfied with the results and if they would hire the company again in the future.
You can also check with sources like the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) and the Better Business Bureau. Finding a contractor on BBB will allow you to look through consumer ratings and will also show you any customer complaints lodged against a company. The ACCA is a non-profit that employs the knowledge of over 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors that are members of ACCA are serious about their profession and will happily provide you with referrals.
One other option is requesting the help of your friends on social media. These recommendations are given by people you know and trust. In most cases you’ll not only get feedback on what contractors to use, but also who to avoid. If you’re looking for recommendations from your neighbors, nextdoor.com is literally a social network of your neighbors.
Are they NATE-certified?
If your contractor is NATE-certified you can trust you’re getting a contractor that meets the highest standards in installation and service. NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is a non-profit organization for HVAC technicians. Before becoming NATE-certified a technician has to pass specialized and real-world tests that were put together by a committee of the top industry experts.
Are they properly licensed and insured?
Just about every state requires licensure for HVAC contractors. This provides protection for consumers from companies that use unqualified workers. A short online search will show you whether your state requires a license or not. If you reside in a state the requires a license and your contractor doesn’t have one, look elsewhere to avert any issues.
When to ask these questions?
The perfect time to secure a quality HVAC contractor is before anything breaks down. If you get your system checked when it’s operating properly and get your annual maintenance scheduled to keep it running properly.
Building a relationship based on trust and experience is important to us at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating in Pella. Our professionals will gladly answer any questions you may have about home comfort. Give us a call at 641-628-3621 or set up an appointment with us using our online scheduler.