When you hire any contractor to work on your home or property, you not only want the project to be done (and done right), but the peace of mind that comes from knowing your contractor and their work can be trusted. So when you need a new A/C or heat pump, or need your current equipment repaired or upgraded, how do you choose an HVAC contractor you can trust?
Licensing and Insurance
Each state has its own licensing requirements, and you should do your homework both for your state and even your county. Also research what insurance your air conditioning contractor should carry, and if your top choice contractors meet the requirements, both legally and regarding your particular project(s).
It’s tempting to hire an unlicensed contractor who comes in with a lower bid, but while that unlicensed contractor will be responsible for operating without a license, you the homeowner will be responsible for anything else that goes wrong, including:
- Work not meeting local code requirements
- Property damage (yours, neighbor’s, municipal, etc.)
- Personal injury
An unlicensed contractor is also likely uninsured. But an insured and licensed contractor has coverage for the unforeseen, and also has the experience, knowledge, and motivation to make sure the entire job meets local and state codes and requirements.
Referrals
Great A/C contractors work hard to develop a good reputation in the community, and to communicate that through their own promotional materials, including websites, advertisements, and even on their trucks and equipment. But the best stories come directly from their customers. Ask for referrals—a contractor worth considering will be happy to provide them. Also check out their website, Facebook page, Google Maps and search engine, Yelp, Angie’s List, and more for additional reviews.
Coupons and Specials
Some contractors will offer coupons and specials on their websites, in the newspaper or phonebook, or on search engines or social media. This can be a nice added incentive to use their services, but is much less important than licensing, insurance, experience, and the positive feedback of happy customers. If you don’t see any specials online or in other advertising, don’t be afraid to ask over the phone.
Free Consultation
You should expect to pay a nominal fee for an emergency service call (which won’t include parts or labor), but for planned projects (installations, service, maintenance, and less time-sensitive repairs), consultations shouldn’t cost you.
Written and Itemized Estimate
Before any work is started, a trustworthy HVAC contractor should provide, in writing, an itemized estimate of the parts and labor costs for the job. It’s important to understand that occasionally additional problems are discovered in the process of a project, but the contractor should keep you informed of any new developments and get your approval before proceeding with work that adds to the cost. The written estimate, however, demonstrates that the contractor understands the scope of the repair or installation, and provides you an expected budget in advance.
Brands Carried and Serviced
An experienced air conditioning professional should be able to repair most (if not all) brands of A/Cs and heat pumps. But it’s still worth inquiring before work starts if they have experience with your equipment (by brand and model), especially if it is uncommon or particularly old. With recent federal changes in coolant regulations, it’s important to know whether your older equipment can be serviced, converted, or just needs to be replaced, and whether the contractor can properly handle the chemicals involved.
For new installations, it’s also important to know if your A/C contractor carries brands equipped with features you require, and that are recommended for your climate. For example, does the contractor sell brands equipped with anti-corrosive coatings to protect your unit from coastal salt water damage? Systems have also improved in energy efficiency—and probably significantly from the last time you purchased an air conditioner or heat pump. Can your contractor recommend the right unit for you, balancing initial cost (due to size/capacity and SEER rating) with ongoing energy costs, so you have a net decrease in your operating costs?
Tax Credits or Rebates
Your contractor should be knowledgeable of all the tax credits and/or rebates available to you based on the full line or products they sell. They should also be able to help you decide whether the higher cost of a more efficient A/C is justified by a tax credit or not.
Financing
An A/C or heat pump is a significant expense, and can at times be unexpected. Choose a contractor that can provide financing so that you can buy today and pay over time.
Service contracts
Finally, you don’t want to find yourself stranded after this major contracting project is completed. Does your contractor provide service contracts to maintain your investment and reduce the potential need for costly emergency repairs? Maintaining a relationship with your A/C professional (who can maintain your equipment) definitely adds to your peace of mind!
Questions? Give us a call at 904-607-5777 or contact Arctic Air of Northern Florida today!
