Tips for Finding the Best Possible HVAC Contractor

While there are thousands of heating and cooling contractors throughout the Delaware and New Jersey area, not all are equally skilled or easy to work with. To find the best HVAC contractor for you, follow a few simple guidelines.

Check Those Qualifications

Start by asking your friends and neighbors if they can recommend a dependable HVAC contractor. Once you’ve found three or four contractors you might consider hiring, make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured for your state. A contractor should hold both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.

Next, check for any additional qualifications, such as NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification. NATE is a voluntary, third-party program that provides advanced, specialized training and certification.

Contractors who are NATE certified have been found to receive fewer callbacks and produce fewer warranty claims because they’re more likely to get the job done right the first time.

Know What to Expect

Ask the contractors on your list if they can provide you with several customer references. Contact the references to find out if the job was done on time and within budget, if they’ve had any problems since, and if they were satisfied with the contractor overall.

Before offering a cost estimate, a trustworthy HVAC contractor will inspect your system in person to learn exactly what kind of work is needed. Request an itemized, written estimate from each contractor you’re considering. Compare not just the total cost, but also the warranties offered and efficiency of the equipment involved. Make sure you know what work will be done by the contractor and what, if any, will be done by subcontractors.

The final written proposal you accept and sign should include the job costs and schedule, as well as the model numbers and warranty details for the equipment to be installed or repaired.

At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.

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