Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Severe weather can happen anywhere, so most homeowners are no strangers to storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can affect many aspects of your property, including the landscape, roof, siding and windows. 

High winds and flooding are also major concerns for outdoor heating and cooling equipment. In extreme weather, units may be forced out of position, often toppling over and damaging electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even when systems remain upright, they may accumulate mud and other debris, which must be removed before they can operate properly. 

For your safety when assessing your storm-damaged home, don’t turn on the HVAC system until it has gotten the all-clear from a heating and cooling contractor. The trick is knowing who to hire for the job. After all, any random guy with a truck can claim to be an HVAC technician. An unqualified person tampering with your system could make matters worse, not to mention overcharge you and then disappear without a trace. 

Incidents like these tend to escalate during storm cleanup. To avoid being taken advantage of, learn the top six questions to ask when hiring a heating and cooling contractor. 

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified? 

Most states have licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This provides peace of mind that whoever works on your system has the appropriate training and coverage in case an accident occurs. Additional ACE certification only further supports a contractor’s ability to provide high-quality service. 

2. What can you tell me about your experience and reputation? 

While longevity alone doesn’t guarantee a contractor will do a good job, it shows that they are proficient enough to stay in business for the long term. If you can, look up the company’s name online to verify that they’re telling the truth about their experience. 

While you’re at it, look up the contractors you’re considering on Google and other third-party review websites. Testimonials from past customers give you a good idea of what to expect. 

For even more specific answers, ask potential contractors for the contact information of past customers. As you call these references and read online reviews, seek answers to the following questions: 

• Did the contractor complete the job on time? 
• Did the contractor leave the customer feeling satisfied? 
• Was the final bill the same price as the up-front estimate? 
• Did a live person always answer calls, or did an answering machine pick up? 

3. Are your technicians background-checked and drug-tested? 

You want assurance that the HVAC technicians who perform the work are clean, dependable and safe to have around your family. For your peace of mind, ask the contractor if background checks and drug tests are required before adding new hires to the team. 

4. Can you evaluate the entire home heating and cooling system? 

If the storm damage is severe enough to wipe out your HVAC system, you may need a new one. However, it isn’t enough to simply swap out one furnace and air conditioner for another. After all, a heating and cooling system is only as good as the ductwork it’s attached to. So if you’re looking at HVAC replacement after a storm, ask potential contractors these questions: 

• Do you perform heat loss/gain evaluations? 
• Do you assess insulation levels and air leaks? 

• Do you check the duct system to ensure proper sizing and configuration? 

5. Can I get an estimate in writing? 

A written, itemized estimate is crucial when comparing bids from different HVAC contractors. Look for a company that offers free estimates and transparent, up-front pricing. Also, be sure to ask whether the company charges by the hour or by the job so you know what you’re paying for. Just be aware that the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best deal, especially if it’s far lower than the rest. Odds are the contractor will either cut corners to make the price doable or tack on hidden fees at the end. 

6. Do you have any special offers? 

Getting your HVAC system back up and running after a severe storm isn’t always cheap. That’s why it’s worthwhile to ask about any savings you might qualify for when repairing or replacing your equipment. Also, find out what financing and leasing options the contractor offers as a stress-free way to pay for unexpected HVAC services following a storm. 

Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 

Do you need a reputable contractor to repair your HVAC system after a natural disaster? You can’t go wrong with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We are a national company with hometown heart, a combination that helps us stay ahead of the competition. If you value affordable prices, long-lasting results and total satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office for help inspecting and repairing your HVAC system.