Choosing a Contractor

As we’ve said, the number 1 determinant of how well your new system will perform is how well it’s installed. This means finding the right hvac contractor for the job is essential. Luckily you’ve found ACDoctor! A search of our directory will result in contractors that we have screened and prequalified. In fact, we’ve been doing business with many of these contractors for years and years and agree that they are the cream of the crop. But don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself. Here are some dos and don’ts to help identify a good hvac contractor. Again, we can’t say this enough, a quality installation is essential for your new system. Take your time, use the resources of ACDoctor and make sure you feel comfortable with your decisions. Here we go…

Any HVAC contractor you use should have the proper licenses.

Don’t worry, ACDoctor’s got you covered on this one – all the contractors in our directory have the appropriate state and/or city licenses to perform heating and cooling work in their localities.

  • Reviews of other homeowners who have used these contractors.
  • How long the hvac contractor has been in business.
  • What national trade associations they are members of.
  • Whether they offer 24 hour service.
  • Whether they offer consumer financing.
  • Whether they offer maintenance agreements and/or extended warranties.
  • Whether they accept credit cards.

Here are some good ones:

  • Do you have a refund policy if I am unsatisfied?
  • Does your team wear uniforms and identification badges?
  • Do you have a showroom nearby?

In discussions with the hvac contractor tell him that (thanks to AC Doctor) you’re a well informed consumer and that you…

insist that he performs a Manual J calculation insist he explains the benefits of high-efficiency equipment and how it can impact your monthly energy bills.insist he inspect your home’s duct system and make any and all necessary repairs insist on the installation of a programmable thermostat and a tour of how to properly use it.

insist he shows you options to improve your home’s indoor air quality insist he determines if your home requires more insulation insist he performs diagnostics to determine that the system is running optimally and will keep your home comfortable.

Good contractors should have no problem with any of these items, and setting these standards upfront will help ensure that your contractor will perform a high-quality installation. Whether you are looking for an hvac contractor to replace an old system, make repairs or perform routine maintenance, taking time now can avoid costly mistakes later.

Contractor may need licenses, depending on your state or local requirements. Be sure to ask any hvac contractor about their training, experience, and member associations.

EPA certifications are required to handle refrigerant in cooling systems. This means that ownership of refrigerant recovery equipment is a must. Ask your contractor to verify his certificate.

Call the state and the Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been any complaints against them. Check the contractor’s record, their performance, and get a list of their past projects to look at their work. Ask for a list of references and call them about the contractor’s performance. Ask specific questions: What work was done? Did they start and finish the project as promised? Did they arrive on time and clean the job site daily? Was their work continuous throughout the project or sporadic?

Ask for verification of a Certificate of Insurance then call the insurance company to confirm the certificate is valid. Understand that it’s your responsibility for workers on your property Know that the contractor is insured.

A written contract or proposal is a must! Always obtain one before allowing any hvac contractor in to install anything. Ask about warranties and financing. Remember, the lowest bid may not be your best choice. A slightly higher bid may get you more in the long run with better equipment and service. Ensure the equipment and service best meets your needs by carefully evaluating the contractor’s proposal.

By now your list of potential contractors should contain only qualified reliable contractors. Now it’s time to compare prices. Again look for the best value, not the lowest price. Have the potential contractors look at the job and give them a firm, but reasonable deadline for submitting the bid to you. You should discuss any optional items, such as a programmable thermostat or high efficiency filters at this time. Once all the bids are in, look at them all together. They should all be in a similar price range.

Review the bids carefully, not just the bottom line. Look over them very carefully. Any bid that seems way out of line may not very well be. A bid which is much higher than the rest could mean that this particular hvac contractor picked up on something that the others missed. Possibly something necessary to bring the project up to code. Now, look at any that are much lower than the rest. Be particularly cautious of these. Why does this one cost less? Are they using inferior materials or just lower prices? Don’t be afraid to call the contractor and ask any questions that you have about his bid.

Keep in mind that selecting the best bid is all about tradeoffs. You will want to select the bid that is the best tradeoff between price and quality of work.