Picking an HVAC contractor is an important decision that you shouldn’t decide upon without doing some research to make certain you’re making the best choice.

First, choose a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and then listen to you. With that tidbit, they should be able to show you up to four options from which you can choose.

When they arrange your installation, is it when you wish to have it done, or when they can fit you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will ensure it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not a DIY job and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in a number of areas, from load calculation to piping and quite a few steps in between. You could get the highest rated system, but if it’s improperly installed you may not get ideal performance.

Here are some other questions to help you make the best decision while researching your HVAC contractor.

Are They Certified?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and specialized tests developed by a committee of industry authorities. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will offer you peace of mind knowing your contractor has undergone rigorous professional training.

Do they have references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can refer to and verify the quality of their company’s work. Talk to their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend their work.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to read the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll view any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a nonprofit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be committed to their profession and will be able to give referrals for previous work.

Another way is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are typically the most valuable recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk to and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors count on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust recommends them it’s likely they’ll do reliable work for you too.

Are they properly licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but almost all of them do. It’s easy to search online to see if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when receiving quotes from a contractor. The reason most states require licenses is simply to keep you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.

If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably in your interest to look elsewhere to help get around any potential issues.

When is the best time to ask these questions?

The best time to ask questions and choose an HVAC contractor is right now, before something occurs with your system. Get your furnace inspected while it’s running normally and schedule your annual maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. in Auburn and Opelika. Our HVAC pros would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 334-524-2458. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.