Why You Shouldn't Put off Your Annual AC Inspection

Your furnace and air conditioner are some of the most important appliances in your home, so hiring a reputable technician to perform HVAC maintenance and repairs is a must. There are several guidelines can follow when interviewing a potential HVAC contractor to have peace of mind that you will receive quality work. Here are four tips for choosing an HVAC contractor that every homeowner should use.

1. Make Sure Your Contractor is Licensed

In the U.S., HVAC contractors must be licensed through their state organization, and they must keep their license current as long as they provide their services. The current license status of any HVAC contractor can be found with their full name, company name, and license number. You can call or email your state licensing organization directly with this information or use an online license search tool.

2. Get Genuine Referrals

The general trends in online reviews can give you some idea of a contractor's quality, but any individual review could be fabricated. Your best resources for genuine reviews of any HVAC contractor are family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who you can speak to in person. Additionally, many contractors are happy to provide references who can give in-depth service reviews and answer your specific questions.

3. Expect a Written Job Proposal

Professionals know the value of their work, so they have no problem creating itemized proposals for their clients. An HVAC proposal should always include the cost of both parts and labor. However, some reputable contractors may make an exception to the rule of providing an itemized contract when the repair is relatively small and/or simple. Expect an itemized proposal for a system installation, but perhaps not for recharging the Freon in your AC.

4. Ask for a Free Home Evaluation

In order to provide a detailed proposal, your HVAC contractor must assess several factors that are unique to your home. If a new furnace is to be installed, a technician will need to determine what size and type of air ducts you have. If the goal is to improve energy efficiency, the technician will identify problem areas like air leaks and damaged insulation. Choose a contractor who provides a home evaluation at no extra cost.

Service from a quality HVAC contractor can add several years of life to your furnace and air conditioner. Use these tips to hire a local contractor with the qualifications and experience to meet your HVAC needs.