10 Tips for Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor

When your heating and cooling system acts up, you need a reliable HVAC contractor to set things right. You might be in a hurry to complete the repair or replacement, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should choose the first company that comes along. After all, the experience and know-how of the technician you hire could make all the difference. Here are 10 tips to simplify the task of choosing a heating and cooling contractor.

1.     Do Your Research

Finding an HVAC contractor with the proper licenses, insurance, and certifications is an important part of making your decision. The company’s experience level is also important, as a proven track record ensures you find a stable business able to meet your needs. Look up Maryland’s licensing and insurance requirements, and make sure the Pasadena-area HVAC contractor you want to hire is compliant.

2.     Ask Around & Read Reviews

Your friends and neighbors may be able to recommend certain contractors to work with based on their personal experiences. As you ask around, find out everything you can about the contractor’s quality of work, ethics, and communication.

If you don’t know anyone who has used HVAC services recently, turn to the internet for advice. Browse reviews for heating and air conditioning companies in your area, and check their Better Business Bureau rating. If most reviews and ratings are positive, that means you may have found your next HVAC contractor.

3.     Request References

Once you have a potential company in mind, call and ask for a few references. Contact these past customers and ask what it was like to work with this contractor. Here are some examples of specific questions you can ask:

• Did the technician arrive on time and remain professional from start to finish?
• Was the pricing honest and upfront?
• Did the technician leave your house clean?
• Did the technician test your new or repaired system and explain how to use it?
• Were you happy with the quality of the work?

4.     Make Sure You Feel Respected

As you communicate with company representatives during your research phase, pay attention to how they speak to you. From the initial phone call to the home evaluation to the final handshake, you should expect every team member to treat you, your home, and your family with the utmost respect.

5.     Look for Special Offers

Keeping the cost down is important when making an HVAC investment. While the price of products and services shouldn’t be the only deciding factor, opportunities to save may break a tie between two similar contractors.

6.     Only Consider Energy Star-Rated Systems

Energy efficiency requirements become increasingly strict with each passing year. The primary intention behind these requirements is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but homeowners also have a tremendous opportunity to save on energy costs over time. The best contractors go above and beyond to run the calculations and show you how much you could save by choosing equipment with the Energy Star label.

7.     Be Prepared for a Home Evaluation

Do you need help upgrading your outdated HVAC system? Before recommending a specific replacement, a technician should visit your home to assess your existing setup and determine what heating and cooling capacity will fit your needs best. After all, a bigger system isn’t always better. If the HVAC contractor doesn’t deem it necessary to evaluate your property for sizing purposes, don’t do business with them.

8.     Ask for Estimates

After evaluating your home and determining your needs, the HVAC contractor should provide a written estimate. It’s best to compare estimates from a few companies. Remember to look for a straightforward pricing structure that charges by the job, not by the hour.

9.     Get a Written Proposal

Once you select a contractor, the next step is to get the project details in writing. The proposal should include project costs, equipment model numbers and efficiency ratings, the job schedule, and warranty information.

10.   Pass it On

When the work is complete, remember to tell your friends and neighbors whether you had a good experience with the HVAC contractor you chose. This way, they know who to hire for respectful, high-quality work the next time they need heating and cooling services.

Contact Universal AC & Heat

If you live in Pasadena, MD, or the surrounding area, choose Universal AC & Heat for your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs. We satisfy all the requirements of an experienced, professional HVAC contractor. With Universal, your comfort comes first, so we’ll make sure your furnace or air conditioner performs at optimal levels before deeming the job complete. Contact us today at 410-544-7334 to request services from our team. We offer 24/7 emergency response, so you can count on us when you need us most.