Is your HVAC system many years old now? This means that you may be looking to replace it in the next year or two. On the other hand, if your HVAC system is new, you will want to ensure that it works and runs properly by scheduling annual maintenance. Either way, sooner or later you will require an HVAC company to do the servicing.
Here are a few things you should consider when hiring one.
Licensing and Experience
Your HVAC system is probably one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in your house and you would want someone who has been properly trained in the field to be working on it. The person should have valid licensing through the HVAC company. In addition to this, the HVAC company should also have a minimum level of bonding and insurance. Insurance is to protect the homeowners in case of any accidental damage or injury.
You should also ask the contractor whom you are planning to work with about their experience. While longevity alone will not guarantee that a contractor will do a good job, the stability in the business will show you that the HVAC company is doing a good job and has a satisfied client base. You can also ask about the certifications which their contractors and the technicians have and you should see that the company has all of their licenses updated, you should keep details of these for future safety.
Home Evaluation
If you are looking to have an HVAC system installed, the potential contractors should offer a thorough evaluation to determine the best heating and cooling solution for your home. There are many factors which have to be taken into consideration. These include the square footage of the home, the level of insulation, the number of windows and their locations. The HVAC company should also inspect the ducting system for leaks, loose components and insulation. The size of the new system should not be determined solely on the basis of square footage, but on the calculations which are determined with the additional data which is fed into the calculation software.
Once you are done with the evaluation, the prospective contractor should give you a written itemized estimate which will help you to compare costs, warranties and energy efficiency among other proposals. You should never go to someone who simply offers you a low priced estimate, a better quality and a more efficient furnace or air conditioner would help you use less energy over the time.
Efficiency
Efficiency is one of the most important considerations. When you are shopping for an update in the system, you want to get the most efficient equipment which you can afford. You can ask the contractor about the energy ratings and consumption of each model. This will help you to compare prices and then see which one would offer you the best value for money in the long run. It is important to consider that a low upfront cost is quickly negated by a system which is designed poorly and therefore wastes a lot of energy. You’ll be better off in the long run spending a bit more money on a better quality system which is more efficient.
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