Choosing an HVAC contractor can be a daunting task. You’re selecting a company that will significantly impact your comfort and well-being. It’s crucial not to rush the process. Instead, take your time finding one that meets your needs and preferences and offers prices that coincide with your budget. Let’s talk about some of the most important tips you should keep in mind when you’re looking for a new HVAC contractor.
1. Evaluate Communication Skills
Having excellent communication skills is one of the top signs to look out for. For instance, they should respond to your call or message quickly and communicate with you in a respectful and professional manner. They should also be willing to answer any questions without exhibiting any frustration or annoyance. Additionally, honesty and transparency are essential in every interaction whether written or verbal. If you feel like they’re blowing you off, dismissing your ideas or questions, or taking a long time to get back to you, consider moving on.
2. Check for Proper Licensing
Having the proper credentials is non-negotiable. It’s a way of ensuring that the company is operating within the law and has the necessary experience and qualifications to complete your project legally and safely.
All states, including California, offer an easy way to look up these details online. You can typically find this information by doing an internet search for “HVAC contractor license verification” followed by your state name. Make sure to do your due diligence.
3. Ask for Personal Recommendations
Your friends, family, and acquaintances can be a huge help when it comes to finding a good HVAC contractor in your area. Put the word out, whether it’s by social media, texting, calling, or in person, that you’re looking for a reputable, reliable company to hire. Many homeowners have had to hire an HVAC contractor at some point, so chances are they’ll be able to give you at least a few recommendations.
4. Read Online Reviews
Once you have at least a few possible contenders, start doing your online research. Reading online reviews can be a crucial way to narrow down your options to a great local HVAC contractor. Reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook give you a good idea of whether you should consider hiring them. Focus on ones from within the past year that appear legitimate. They’re typically easy to spot by how they provide details, such as names and dates, rather than simply being a blank review with five stars notated.
5. Evaluate Review Responses
One of the most important things to pay attention to is how the company responds in negative situations. For example, if a complaint was filed against them, did they resolve it promptly? You’ll also want to check how the company responded to bad reviews. Did they fire back at the poster or did they provide a professional apologetic response? Situations occasionally arise, but if they do, you should feel confident that the HVAC company will handle it with respect and kindness.
6. Ask About Experience With Your Specific Issue
You need to make sure that you’re hiring an HVAC company with experience in dealing with your specific situation. It will give you peace of mind that you’re hiring the right team that will be able to handle the job efficiently and effectively. You shouldn’t have to worry that if an unexpected scenario arises, the technician will panic and be unsure of what to do.
You won’t have to worry about that with Loves Air. Our company has been in operation for over a decade, and we’ve worked on numerous HVAC projects over the years ranging from minor to major.
7. Compare Multiple Quotes/Estimates
Choosing the right HVAC contractor involves getting multiple quotes/estimates from different companies. This allows you to gauge their prices and assess their level of honesty and fairness. For instance, if three companies provide similar prices for an AC installation but a fourth charges significantly more for the exact same project, it’s a good indicator that the fourth may not be the best option for you.
When obtaining quotes/estimates, ask about any potential discounts for which you may qualify. For example, ask if you’re eligible for a discount as a new client or if you can have the work done during the offseason.
8. Ask if the Company Provides Emergency Service
Ideally, no homeowner would ever have to handle an HVAC emergency, like the unit breaking down. However, it may happen, so it’s vital to be prepared just in case.
Verify that the HVAC company offers emergency services and learn what’s involved. For instance, do they charge a fee, and if so, what is the amount? Ask if they offer 24/7 service or if it’s only during specific hours. You’ll also want to determine what they consider emergencies.
9. Trust Your Instincts
Never underestimate the power of listening to your gut when it comes to choosing an HVAC contractor. Just because everything lines up, including the reviews, costs, and services, doesn’t mean they’re an automatic hire. If your instincts are screaming not to do it and to go with another company, there might be a reason for it.
10. Learn About the Services They Offer
Not every HVAC company offers a comprehensive array of services. It’s important to decide if what they offer is enough for you. You can typically find out this information through their website. However, if you don’t see a particular service mentioned that you need, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask the company directly. They may offer it even if it’s not on the list.
11. Ask About Deals and Financing
Not every HVAC contractor offers deals. If they do, there will usually be information about it on the website, such as in the “Deals” or “Specials” section. You should also look into signing up for an email newsletter, if one is available, as promotions may be offered to those who register.
Financing is something that many homeowners consider when seeking HVAC services. Ask about financing options if need be. It’s important to note that even if the company offers it, it doesn’t mean everyone automatically gets it. Clients must apply and be approved to qualify for the financing.
When Should I Start Looking for a New HVAC Contractor?
Start looking before you need one. The last thing you want to do is initiate your search while also dealing with an emergency situation, such as when it’s in the middle of a heatwave and your air conditioning stops working. Doing it when your systems are working well will give you plenty of time to find the right HVAC contractor match without having to rush through the process.
Now is the ideal time to choose the best HVAC contractor. Loves Air in Salida, CA, offers a comprehensive array of HVAC cooling services, including maintenance, installations, and repairs, making it easy to get help for a wide range of situations. Our heating services are just as comprehensive. Call us today to learn more about our services.
