9 Tips For Choosing An HVAC Contractor
When choosing an HVAC contractor, keep this in mind: Anybody may claim to be one. However, a business card and a toolbox don’t make the local handyman a qualified, professional contractor—particularly with today’s sophisticated heating and cooling technology that demands a high level of training and expertise. The person you allow into your home to install or service your system should have the license, accreditation and track record to do the job right.
Here are nine tips for choosing an HVAC contractor you can trust:
- Many states like Delaware require testing, licensing and insurance of HVAC contractors. You can verify the license status of any contractor online via the state’s regulation website.
- Ask for at least three recent local references. Call and inquire about their satisfaction with the contractor’s work.
- Ask the contractor about his or her experience installing and servicing new technology such as high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioning.
- Find out if the contractor exclusively offers HVAC equipment with the EPA Energy Star rating for maximum efficiency and savings.
- Inquire about special offers. An experienced contractor will be conversant in all local, state and federal rebates or credits available to you for upgrading HVAC equipment.
- Expect a home energy assessment. No reputable HVAC pro will suggest new equipment or repairs without evaluating your current system, the condition of ductwork and the overall status quo of the home’s efficiency.
- Request a written, itemized estimate including all costs. Consider it a red flag if the contractor only gives verbal estimates.
- Ask about NATE certification. The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) program tests and certifies HVAC technicians to verify a high level of technical knowledge and mechanical skills.
- Request a written contract. It should specify costs and commit to a specific deadline for the completion of all work. Model numbers and warranty info on new equipment should also be included.
When choosing an HVAC contractor, Sobieski Services is your licensed, established outfit with NATE-certified technicians.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).
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