HVAC contractors install, repair, and service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment in both commercial and residential properties. Their expertise ensures that the buildings in which we work and live are comfortable and safe. Here’s what you need to look for when hiring an HVAC contractor to do any type of work for your home or business:
Experience and Expertise
The licensure requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and even from city to city. Nevertheless, all HVAC contractors must be trained and certified in some way. If you are in need of an HVAC contractor, look for one with several years of experience and who has proof of his or her credentials.
In general, HVAC contractors must be at least 18 years old with a clean criminal record. At a minimum, they will have graduated from high school and then trained either on-site with another HVAC professional or via an authorized certification program for approximately six months and up to three years. They will also be properly registered to legally work in the state in which they reside. Thus, even if your state doesn’t require an HVAC contractor to have an HVAC license, you’ll need to verify that any HVAC contractor you consider for a job does have a business license, along with the appropriate insurance and bonds to go along with it. This not only protects your own interests and money but helps verify the professional legitimacy of the technician him/herself.
Finally, while state mandates vary, the federal government does insist that all HVAC contractors earn an EPA Section 608 certification, which confirms their understanding of refrigerant handling, so you’ll want to look for an HVAC contractor who can demonstrate their compliance with this regulation.
Availability and Transparency
A good HVAC contractor is responsive and available to assess your needs and answer your questions. As you begin your search for an HVAC contractor, pay attention to who accepts your calls and offers you a consultation. The best HVAC contractors get back to you quickly, thoroughly evaluate your unique needs and provide detailed quotes regarding the proposed job at hand.
References
Of course, you need to review an HVAC contractor’s references prior to making any final decision. Even though online testimonials can be helpful, pay close attention to consumer chatter amongst your family and friends. Word of mouth is often a much better indicator of an HVAC contractor’s quality of work than written reviews (which may or not have been posted in spite of or in exchange for an incentive).
The Confident Comfort Advantage
If you are in need of a professional HVAC contractor who is capable of properly installing, repairing, or maintaining HVAC systems at a fair price, look no further. Our HVAC technicians here at Confident Comfort are trained, our services are insured, and our work is guaranteed. Please contact us for a consultation and quote.