How can I make sure I’m hiring the right heating contractor?

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a vital role in maintaining comfort throughout your home in all mother nature’s hardships. There comes a time when this important system will need replacing. An HVAC contractor who is specialized to work with

this type of equipment will need to be hired. This contractor should be properly trained, well qualified, and comply with professional HVAC procedures in your local area. Here are a few steps to ensure picking the right heating contractor:

1. Ask around (family and friends) for recommended contractor referrals.

When asking them, be sure to inquire about the situation that led them to hire a heating contractor. Likewise situations can often result in filtering the best suited contractor for you.

2. Determine if your heating contractor has the right licenses and certifications required by the area you reside.

Visit the contractor’s website to validate the licenses of any specific contractor. You may also request the contractor to show you copies of the their licenses and certifications. Asking about worker’s compensation insurance for an event of an injury on your property may also not be a bad idea. Be sure to only hire contractors who are insured to protect your home from financial damage.

3. Verify whether the contractor candidate has a reputable rating and low volume of customer complaints.

Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website or call (703) 276-0100 for inquiries if you reside in the United States.

4. Only choose contractors who are willing to inspect the system in your home before providing estimates or making an appointment for repair.

Be alarmed by those candidates who do not look for air leaks, measure air flow, and inspect your insulation. All of these components must be met by the HVAC guidelines.

5. Try to obtain bids from at least three different HVAC contractors to gauge the value and credibility of their work.

This will also decide a fair price for your situation. Be sure to remember to consider the overall cost with the energy efficiency of the repair work or installation.