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Before You Buy

The installation of new HVAC equipment is a big deal – these systems can be expensive and the installation process is often lengthy. So, before you buy, you want to know you’re working with the best possible contractor in your area. Here are some things to consider before selecting a contractor to work with.

Research the Contractor

Before you call anyone, do some basic research about your local regulations. Every state and municipality has different requirements for contracting licenses. You should ensure the person you call has these licenses and can show you their recent work history. You should also check to make sure the contractor has experience working with your particular system. While most contractors have extensive experience with all HVAC systems, it’s possible that a particular brand or type of system is beyond their expertise.

You should also do some additional research about the quality of work. You can do this by asking for direct referrals from people you know in the area or asking the contractor to provide references that you can then call. Most contractors will retain references that are comfortable with receiving a phone call for just this reason.

How the Process Works

When you call a contractor for installation or repair, they should provide a thorough inspection of your home. They should review the current layout of your heating and cooling system, any deficiencies in the system and what they can do to make it better within your budget. This means checking insulation levels, operability of your current system and potential leaks. If something is broken, installed poorly, or is just not large enough for your space, they should catch it. Your job is to ask questions about all of these things to ensure the inspection is getting done properly.

You should also request an itemized estimate. This way you can ensure you know exactly how much it will cost without any unexpected increases in price or equipment needs. Before you sign a written proposal, you should compare different estimates. Even if you feel your contractor is a good fit, it is a smart idea to have more than one contractor visit your home and provide an estimate. You can then measure the benefits of each solution and make sure you get an efficient, yet affordable system installed.

Buying an HVAC System

Once you’re sure that your contractor is skilled, trusted and capable of performing the tasks you need with the budget you’ve laid out, it’s time to move forward with the project. This may seem like a lot of extra work, but remember that this HVAC system will be a part of your home for 10-30 years. If it doesn’t work properly and you cannot trust the contractor who installed it to perform maintenance later, you will have to deal with uneven comfort levels or early replacement.