
Recently, several questions have been posted on our site, asking about installation practices and how to ensure a quality installation of an HVAC system in your home. A nationally-recognized industry organization named ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) provides a good resource on this topic. While Emerson is not affiliated with ACCA or otherwise endorsing this organization, this non-profit organization has been around for over 40 years and includes more than 60,000 professionals, along with 4,000 businesses in the indoor environment and energy services community. If you are a Homeowner, Building Manager, Contractor or Educator, ACCA has information available to you.
The Checklist
The checklist provided by ACCA can assist you in evaluating the capabilities of different HVAC companies and the proposals they submit. These contractor “areas” provide scoring for up to three different contractors on various elements that can help ensure a system provides comfort and reliability. The questions on the checklist will help you understand the requirements contained within the nationally-recognized HVAC quality installation standard, and the explanations detail “what’s in it for you.”
Our research shows that homeowners who are satisfied with their contractor are much more likely to be satisfied with their equipment selection. The research also shows that homeowners are generally more satisfied with contractors who do the proper sizing calculations and also discuss high efficiency options with their customers. This is why we recommend getting three estimates from different contractors before deciding on your HVAC investments. These systems typically last 15 to 20 years so it pays to take a little time to find the right contractor who can help with your equipment selection decisions.
Quality HVAC Installation Checklist
HVAC Quality Installation Specification