Choosing an HVAC contractor is an important decision that shouldn’t be made without doing some research to make certain you’re making the best choice.

First, select a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and then listen to you. With that noted, they should be able to offer up to four options from which you can choose.

When they schedule your installation, is it when you want it done, or when they can get to it? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will make certain that it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not something you can do yourself and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in a number of areas, from load calculation to piping and quite a few steps in between. You could get the highest rated system, but if it’s installed incorrectly you may not get ideal performance.

Here are some other questions to help you make the best decision while finding your HVAC contractor.

Are They Certified?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have proven their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and rigorous tests created by a committee of industry authorities. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will provide you peace of mind knowing your contractor has undergone rigorous professional training.

Can they provide references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company will be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can chat with and tell you about the quality of their company’s work. Call their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend them to you.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to look at the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll view any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a nonprofit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be dedicated to their work and will be able to give referrals for previous work.

Another way is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are typically the most valuable recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk to and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors count on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust recommends them it’s likely they’ll do reliable work for you too.

Do you know if they’re licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but practically all of them do. It’s easy to search online to determine if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when receiving quotes from a contractor. The reason most states require licenses is simply to protect you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.

If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably best to look elsewhere to help avoid any potential concerns.

When is the best time to ask these questions?

The best time to ask questions and pick an HVAC contractor is right now, before something goes wrong with your system. Get your furnace looked at while it’s working as usual and schedule your yearly maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating in Pella. Our HVAC pros would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 641-628-3621. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.