Your HVAC system is like your car. Your car needs routine maintenance to keep it running well for years to come. Your heating and cooling system needs routine maintenance to keep it running during the heat of summer and the cold of winter.
You also need a qualified HVAC contractor if you are installing a new central heating or air conditioning system. Central HVAC installations are generally outside the realm of DIY projects for the average person.
So he goes online and soon finds two dozen contractors servicing and installing air conditioners and heating systems.
How do you find the right HVAC technology for your job?
Homework
Generally speaking, each state will have specific licensing requirements for HVAC technicians and contractors. For example, in California, if you service, install, or repair heating and air conditioning systems, you must obtain a license from the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB).
Make sure an HVAC technician is properly licensed by your state and meets all the basic requirements for doing business in your state. For example, most states in the US will require a heating and air conditioning company to be licensed and bonded.
Ask for Referrals and References
In the age of Yelp reviews, people tend to forget about traditional referrals, but referrals are one of the best ways to find a good service company. Chances are your neighbors, co-workers, and family have central heating and air conditioning systems. And all of them have used an HVAC technician to repair or service their system.
So ask them for a reference.
When calling prospective heating and air conditioning companies, be sure to ask for references. Asking for references is standard operating practice when dealing with any type of service business. That applies to construction, plumbing, or HVAC.
If a company is unwilling or unable to provide references? Don’t use them.
If a company gives you referrals? Make sure you call them. It sounds obvious, but many people ask for references and then don’t follow up to make sure those references are valid.
Get estimates in writing
For larger jobs, like a major heating system overhaul or a new air conditioner installation, be sure to get a couple of quotes from a couple of different companies.
The rule of thumb says, get 3 estimates. For important jobs, you may want to get more than three. Make sure each estimate is written and detailed. If a company gives you a quote for a central air conditioning installation and it consists of a single item “Air Conditioning Installation” and a flat fee without taking into account labor time, parts, etc., then you probably don’t want to deal with them.
What if you just need routine heating and air conditioning maintenance? An estimate in person can be a bit extreme. References, homework, and phone estimates may suffice. But you’ll still want to get any service agreements in writing.
Most HVAC companies offer annual service plans or service contracts where a technician will come twice a year to repair your air conditioning and heating system (ie furnace) for a flat fee. Those fees typically range from $50 to $100 per year.
Don’t be influenced by brands
Manufacturers of air conditioners and furnaces spend a lot of money and time on marketing. Marketing that is largely designed to give you the impression that Furnace Y is better than Furnace X. The truth is that brand matters much less when it comes to HVAC.
What makes the difference? The competence and experience of your HVAC company and its technicians.