The lifespan of a typical HVAC unit is about 15 to 20 years. The most efficient units use 30 to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as older units. If your unit is only 10 years old, you could save up to 40% on energy costs with a newer model.
Before purchasing a newer model, however, consider contacting an experienced HVAC company. The best HVAC company can improve your existing unit’s energy efficiency.
With their help, you can save money on your annual heating and cooling costs.
Not sure who to hire? Here are seven questions to ask first.
Asking these questions can help you find a qualified, experienced HVAC contractor. They can help you avoid buying a brand new unit. Improving your energy efficiency can help you save money throughout the year.
Start your search for the best HVAC service in town by asking these seven simple questions today.
1. How Long Have You Operated in the Area?
To start your search, turn to friends, family members, and neighbors in the area. Ask if they’ve hired an HVAC contractor in the past year. If they have, ask about their experience with the company.
For example, you can ask if the HVAC contractor was knowledgeable and experienced. Ask the homeowner if they had any issues working with the contractor, too. Would they hire the same HVAC company in the future?
Speaking with homeowners you trust can help you find a reliable HVAC team you can trust as well.
Otherwise, start your search online. Develop a list of HVAC companies to research further. Look into each company’s history, too.
Determine how long each company has run and operated in the area. Finding a long-established business could give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about the business going out of business the next time you need help.
A long-established business likely employs contractors that have years of hands-on experience, too.
Determine who will arrive to work on your HVAC unit. How long have they worked as an HVAC contractor? How many units have they worked on over the years?
You can also ask if they have prior experience working on your make and model.
Finding a company with years of experience can help you feel confident in their abilities. These teams will have an easier time offering the services you need. They won’t struggle to answer your questions or find solutions to your heating and cooling problems.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Before choosing an HVAC company, make sure their paperwork is in order. Determine if each company is licensed and insured. Make sure they’re licensed to work on residential and commercial properties.
If the company isn’t licensed, they could put the value of your HVAC unit at risk. They could void the warranty, too.
If they’re not insured, you might have to pay out-of-pocket for property damages or other incidents.
Instead, make sure the company’s license is up-to-date and relevant to your area.
Ask the HVAC company if they have both worker’s compensation and general liability insurance, too.
3. What Services Do You Offer?
Before choosing an HVAC service, consider the specific services you need.
For example, some companies offer:
- Repair services
- Installation services
- Preventative maintenance checks
- Air duct cleaning services
- Indoor air quality (IAQ) services
Determine how long the company has offered the specific services you need. Make sure they have well-rounded experience and expertise. If they don’t offer the right services, scratch them off your list.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing you can call the same HVAC contractor for every service you need.
Don’t neglect to find an HVAC company that offers preventative maintenance checks. Preventative maintenance could extend the life of your unit to over 15 years. You won’t have to pay for more extensive repairs or a new unit.
4. What Training Have You Completed?
It’s not enough to find an HVAC team with years of hands-on experience. Make sure the team is well trained, too.,
Ask each company if their employees have completed formal training. Take time to learn about their training standards, too. A well-trained team will offer the best possible services.
They’ll also have an easier time evaluating your HVAC unit to pinpoint the root cause of the problems you’re experiencing. These teams will know the most efficient ways of improving your unit.
Determine if the employees have any additional certifications. Ask how they keep their training up-to-date, too.
You can feel confident hiring a knowledgeable team that has the expertise you need.
5. Can You Offer References and Reviews?
If you want to find the best HVAC company in town, ask for references and reviews. Speak with at least three of the company’s most recent clients. Ask the client about their experience with the company.
If the client experienced problems with their HVAC contractor, scratch that company off your list.
Visit each company’s BBB and Google My Business profiles for reviews, too.
6. Do You Offer a Warranty?
Ask each HVAC company on your list if they offer a warranty. Will they return if the problem persists after they leave? Determine if there are any exclusions you’ll need to consider, too.
A company that offers a warranty will have your best interests in mind.
7. What’s Covered in the Quote?
Before choosing an HVAC contractor, request quotes from three different companies in the area. Gathering more than one quote can help you gauge the local average price. If one company’s pricing seems too good to be true, scratch them off your list.
Determine what’s covered with the estimate as well. Most quotes will include parts and labor.
Don’t rush to hire the cheapest company you find. Instead, review your notes.
Find a qualified, experienced team you can trust.
Hire the Pros: 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Company
Hiring a qualified HVAC company shouldn’t feel stressful. Instead, ask these seven questions during your search. Asking these questions will help you find the most qualified HVAC contractor for the job.
With their help, you can improve your unit’s energy efficiency to reduce spending before the new year.
Need help right away? We’re here for you.
Contact us today to discuss your heating and cooling needs.
