Whether you’re getting your HVAC system replaced or just a simple repair, every homeowner needs to have a trustworthy local HVAC company they can call when their system is having issues. There are many factors that go into choosing a reliable HVAC company. This article will address those factors so you can rest easy knowing that the company you’re working with has been properly vetted. Regardless of whether you are currently having HVAC issues, it’s best to go ahead and find a dependable company. This will help save you time and stress if your system has a breakdown during the hot months of summer or the cold months of winter.
If you’re faced with the question, “How do I find the right HVAC company?” Keep reading below to see our top five tips for choosing the right HVAC company for you and your home!
Get Local Referrals
The first step in choosing a top-notch local HVAC company is to get a list of referrals from people you trust. Try talking to your neighbors, friends, family members, coworkers, etc., and see who they’ve worked with and what their experience was like. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their experience. It’s helpful to get all of the information you can from a homeowner’s perspective.
Some helpful questions to ask:
- Is the job completed on time and within the discussed budget?
- Do they test HVAC systems before they leave to see if everything is working properly?
- What is the communication like with the company?
- Do they respect the homeowner’s property?
Once you’ve gathered this information, narrow your list down to three choices. This gives you a variety of options but doesn’t require you to complete an overwhelming amount of research.
Check Out Their Online Presence
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to three possible options, take some time to research their online presence. Head to each company’s website and explore their services, mission statement, vision statement, values, and company history. A company’s website can tell you a significant amount about how they like to do business and how they prioritize their customers.
Another way to research the company’s online presence is to check out their online reviews. You can find reviews on Google, Yelp, and even on their social media pages. Reviews can have useful information about positive and negative aspects of the company, which can be helpful when deciding who you want to work with.
Ask The Necessary Questions
You may be able to get a good amount of your burning questions answered by looking at their website. However, don’t be discouraged from calling and asking them any additional questions you may have. Below we’ve provided a list of questions to help get crucial information from the companies on your list.
- How long has the company been in business?
- How many HVAC technicians do they have?
- Are they a licensed and insured HVAC company?
- Do they offer financing?
- Do they provide free estimates?
- What are their certifications?
- Do they offer a warranty?
- Do they offer a 24-hour emergency HVAC service?
Make Sure They Are Licensed and Insured
This is our number one tip to help ensure your safety and peace of mind when choosing an HVAC company. It is crucial that the company you choose to work with is licensed and insured.
The HVAC equipment in your home is expensive and complex. It takes a lot of training and knowledge to be able to perform quality repairs and installations. This is exactly why it is vital for HVAC companies to be licensed and adequately trained to work on the equipment, as well as insured just in case something goes wrong with the service or installation.
Compare Your Proposals
Your final step in choosing a good local HVAC company is to get proposals from each company on your list. This written proposal should include estimated costs, credentials, and warranties.
Compare these proposals to one another. The differences between them may make it easier for you to choose which company to go with. Keep in mind that it is important to make sure you do not decide on price alone. You should be making your decision based on all of the factors listed above.
Choosing an HVAC company can be a lengthy process, however, the reward is astronomical. By pre-vetting your HVAC company you will save time and significantly reduce your stress when you need a repair on your system. Keep in mind that you’re searching for a long-term HVAC company that will service you over the years to come; it’s important to leave no stone unturned.
Our tips listed above should provide you with a useful guide in choosing a local HVAC company that is best for you and your home. If you would like a good starting point, check out Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing! Look around our website and don’t hesitate to give us a call.
