Hiring someone to work on the HVAC systems in your home calls for a little more care and research than you might put into say, hiring someone to mow your lawn. But finding the right HVAC contractor – to service your existing set up, or to install brand new elements like an A/C system or a new heating pump – is not only a just a matter of getting the best value for your money. These are important functions in your home and expensive ones as well, so taking the time to find the best people to work with is a must.
So, what should you be looking for when seeking a good HVAC contractor to work on your home?
Licensing
Although being licensed isn’t the only mark of a good HVAC contractor it is a very good indication that they possess the knowledge, training and expertise to get the job done right. Another great sign that you are on the right track is if the business is BBB (Better Business Bureau) A+ rated as well.
Advertising
Just because a certain company has splashier ads than others in the area does not mean that the work they do is any better. If a company spends a great deal of money on its advertising, they actually tend to pass those costs off onto their customers. Judge each company by its real reputation and the opinions of their previous clients rather than their ads on TV.
Expertise
Make sure you are actually hiring an HVAC contractor rather than a plumber who does a “bit of HVAC work as well.” Some plumbers will also offer to do HVAC installations too but are often simply not skilled or experienced enough to get the job done half as well as an HVAC professional can, so that is an offer that should be politely declined.
Estimates
If you are planning on commissioning a whole new heating or cooling system (or both) it is not going to be a cheap undertaking. The general “get three estimates “guideline applies to hiring an HVAC contractor as well. The homeowner should keep in mind that the dollar amount quoted for the job does not necessarily serve as a measure for determining who would be the best for the job. The highest bid may not mean that the company is the best in the area as the lowest bid does not always indicate that the work performed will not be up to the standards you are looking for. When hiring an HVAC contractor, you have to look at the “big picture.”
References
When the HVAC contractor you are considering presents you with their references take the time to actually check them yourself. That means actually getting on the telephone and speaking to former clients and asking them pertinent questions that go beyond “Are the X Company any good?” Did the HVAC contractor show up when they said they would? Was the job completed in a timely manner? Were all the workers easy to get along with? All of these factors are important, especially if the job you are hiring for is a larger one that will stretch over several days (or even weeks)
If you have any questions about our range of services, please do not hesitate to contact us on 816-436-1000 or email us: service@arcticairkc.com. One of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will be happy to assist you in any way they can and answer all your queries.