Air conditioning and heating contractors are no different than any other professional in that some are better than others. Check this page for ways of getting the contractor that is right for you.

Selecting A Contractor

All Contractors Are Not The Same

Over the years you have most likely had enough experiences with providers of various services to know what to expect. For example you probably have selected a car dealership that you prefer based on the service you have been given. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t interact with their heating and cooling service provider often enough to know what’s good or bad. Homeowners will often settle for mediocre heating and cooling service when there is no need to do so. Many homeowners had decided, “That’s just the way it is.”

The way best way to select a contractor is to do your homework and ask questions. It’s really no different than deciding on where to buy your next new car. You may not know what questions to ask so the quickest way to arrive at the questions is to build them around what’s important to you. Let’s look at some general categories as a starting point.

Competence

The heating and cooling business is one of the easiest businesses to get into that you can imagine. In some situations a person wanting to get into the heating and cooling business doesn’t have to pass a test. They simply buy a license. Now imagine yourself going to the local courthouse and buying a license to engage in the heating and air conditioning business in your town. Would you feel competent to do the work? Of course not.

Just as with any profession, some of those that have taken and passed the state licensing test are not as competent as they should be. When you open the phone book it is easy to assume that all those advertised as having a state license are competent and capable of providing you with good, effective service. That is far from the case.

More often than not the lowest proficiency these contractors have is in the area of business. Accordingly they will be among the lowest priced companies in town. In the absence of information to the contrary, homeowners often based their decision about systems and service on price.

When you consider that your heating and cooling system is your third largest investment and that 70% of how well it performs is due to proper installation and service, selecting a competent contractor is an all important decision.

An improperly sized or installed heating and cooling system can cause indoor air quality problems, which may lead to health problems.

Here are a few important considerations:
Does this contractor have a state license?
How long has the company been in business?
What training certifications do the company’s technicians have?
Have any complaints against this company been filed with: The Better Business Bureau? The state licensing board? The attorney general’s office?
Can you get references? (If you do, call them.)
What level of insurance does the company carry?

If you are considering this company for a new system, will they do a heat gain / heat loss estimate. This is important to assure proper system size.

Service

Whether you are seeking service or want to invest in new, more efficient equipment, service availability is important. Some service companies offer service at traditional hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some companies offer “after hours” emergency service only and still others offer everything from Saturday service to 24 / 7 service with no overtime charges.

You will likely pay a higher rate for the company that provides service after hours and on weekends. The company providing service at traditional hours will charge your most economical rate.

Decide on when you want service. If you can be home during the day, 24 hour a day, seven day a week service may not be important to you. If you are only home after 5:00 p.m. or on weekends, it may be very important to find a 24 / 7 service company.

No matter which company you choose you should ask about if and when overtime rates are charged. This will avoid expensive surprises later.

Don’t just take a company’s word for after hours service. If you look in the yellow pages you will see many ads touting 24 hour service. You would be surprised to know just how few of them respond to after hours calls for service. Call the companies you are considering after hours and ask for service.

Reliability

If you read the section on warranties, you know that the installing contractor is responsible for part of the warranty. You want to have the best assurance possible that the contractor you choose to do your work will be around to honor any warranty that’s applicable.

As was said above, the heating and air conditioning business is an easy business to get into. It’s also an easy business to get out of.

When you narrow your contractor selection down, take the time to drive by their places of business. You will find that many people in our industry work out of their home or garage. You will find that others have a place of business. While the physical location of the company is not always indicative of their operation or ability to perform its appearance may be.

If the outside of the place of business is strewn with carcasses of old units or weeds have grown up or trash abounds, that sloppiness is likely to show up in the company’s work.The same is true if the company’s vehicles are rusted and dented or leaking oil.

When you find a company with a place of business, it is a good idea to go inside and talk with the receptionist. You will get a good feel for the company by doing this.