10 Tips For Hiring HVAC Contractors Near Me (continued)
4. Make a List of Problem Areas in Your Home
If you’re looking to repair or replace an existing HVAC system, be sure to note any air flow issues, hot spots, leaking vents, etc. so that your contractor can more accurately assess the situation. This will speed up inspection times, equipment assessment and aid in designing the perfect system for your home.
You’ll also want to inspect any ductwork that needs repair or replacement. Make sure you note any holes, compression fittings, improper connections, as well as any dents or dirt buildup in the vents. This will prevent future problems and help ensure your system remains efficient and long-lasting.
5. Look for an HVAC Contractor Who Can Provide Financing Opportunities
Replacing, even repairing, your home’s air conditioning and heating system can be a financially daunting thought, and it’s something to consider when hiring your HVAC contractor. Oftentimes, a well-established residential HVAC contractor will be a factory-authorized dealer for a major air conditioning manufacturer. These manufacturers will almost certainly have great financing offers to cover equipment and installation costs.
6. Find Out Whether Your Power Company Offers Financing and Rebates to Improve your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Many states have local utilities looking to incentivize their home owning customers to weatherize and improve their home’s heating and cooling system. In our neck of the woods, Alabama Power is offering Smart Financing for new systems and repairs installed by the most reputable local HVAC contractors.
7. Anticipate a Thorough Home Inspection
The best residential contractors will spend a decent amount of time inspecting every portion of your home’s heating and air conditioning system, including its ventilation and ductwork, in order to assess the best fitting system for your home in regard to a multitude of factors. Make sure the inspection team is able to access your system in its entirety. If any component of the system is hidden, inaccessible or in need of repair, they may be unable to produce an accurate estimate.
The inspector should also test the air ducts for leakage and check the insulation levels on all exterior walls. This will help determine if your home’s seal is adequate enough to properly regulate indoor temperature through heating and cooling seasons.
8. Get Written, Itemized Estimates
Reputable HVAC companies will provide you with a detailed, printed (or handwritten) estimate for your new system with itemized costs. Bear in mind that the lowest overall estimate may not be the most cost effective solution for your home. A lower initial cost for a wildly less efficient, undersized HVAC system is going to cost you vastly more in monthly energy bills, maintenance costs, and comfort over the course of its lifetime. Make sure all the estimates you get are from reputable companies that can provide a quality installation and any necessary follow-up service.
In addition to the costs for new equipment, there may be additional expenses related to the installation of your system. These include the removal of old units, ductwork changes, electrical wiring, and permits. Be sure to ask about these costs upfront and include them in your estimates.
9. Make Sure Everything’s Signed in Ink
Prior to your HVAC contractor starting work, make sure you've signed a written proposal that denotes project costs, model numbers, and warranty information. Having everything written down in ink ensures that you are both on the same page and can serve as a reference point if ever needed. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get clarification before signing anything, so that you have a full understanding of the services being provided.
10. Word-of-Mouth for a Great Experience
After the job’s complete, be sure to leave reviews and feedback for your HVAC contractor, especially if you had a positive experience. Leaving comments on Google reviews, and HVAC listing sites like Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau, help people like you find the best air conditioning contractors.
If you’re looking to repair or replace an existing HVAC system, be sure to note any air flow issues, hot spots, leaking vents, etc. so that your contractor can more accurately assess the situation. This will speed up inspection times, equipment assessment and aid in designing the perfect system for your home.
You’ll also want to inspect any ductwork that needs repair or replacement. Make sure you note any holes, compression fittings, improper connections, as well as any dents or dirt buildup in the vents. This will prevent future problems and help ensure your system remains efficient and long-lasting.
5. Look for an HVAC Contractor Who Can Provide Financing Opportunities
Replacing, even repairing, your home’s air conditioning and heating system can be a financially daunting thought, and it’s something to consider when hiring your HVAC contractor. Oftentimes, a well-established residential HVAC contractor will be a factory-authorized dealer for a major air conditioning manufacturer. These manufacturers will almost certainly have great financing offers to cover equipment and installation costs.
6. Find Out Whether Your Power Company Offers Financing and Rebates to Improve your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Many states have local utilities looking to incentivize their home owning customers to weatherize and improve their home’s heating and cooling system. In our neck of the woods, Alabama Power is offering Smart Financing for new systems and repairs installed by the most reputable local HVAC contractors.
7. Anticipate a Thorough Home Inspection
The best residential contractors will spend a decent amount of time inspecting every portion of your home’s heating and air conditioning system, including its ventilation and ductwork, in order to assess the best fitting system for your home in regard to a multitude of factors. Make sure the inspection team is able to access your system in its entirety. If any component of the system is hidden, inaccessible or in need of repair, they may be unable to produce an accurate estimate.
The inspector should also test the air ducts for leakage and check the insulation levels on all exterior walls. This will help determine if your home’s seal is adequate enough to properly regulate indoor temperature through heating and cooling seasons.
8. Get Written, Itemized Estimates
Reputable HVAC companies will provide you with a detailed, printed (or handwritten) estimate for your new system with itemized costs. Bear in mind that the lowest overall estimate may not be the most cost effective solution for your home. A lower initial cost for a wildly less efficient, undersized HVAC system is going to cost you vastly more in monthly energy bills, maintenance costs, and comfort over the course of its lifetime. Make sure all the estimates you get are from reputable companies that can provide a quality installation and any necessary follow-up service.
In addition to the costs for new equipment, there may be additional expenses related to the installation of your system. These include the removal of old units, ductwork changes, electrical wiring, and permits. Be sure to ask about these costs upfront and include them in your estimates.
9. Make Sure Everything’s Signed in Ink
Prior to your HVAC contractor starting work, make sure you've signed a written proposal that denotes project costs, model numbers, and warranty information. Having everything written down in ink ensures that you are both on the same page and can serve as a reference point if ever needed. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get clarification before signing anything, so that you have a full understanding of the services being provided.
10. Word-of-Mouth for a Great Experience
After the job’s complete, be sure to leave reviews and feedback for your HVAC contractor, especially if you had a positive experience. Leaving comments on Google reviews, and HVAC listing sites like Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau, help people like you find the best air conditioning contractors.