How to Select the Right HVAC Contractor

Karl Zellmer
by |
HVAC tech going over mold document with happy customers

The choice of a contractor is an important decision and shouldn’t be made quickly or without due diligence. Finding a contractor who can become a real partner in the maintenance of your home’s HVAC equipment can be invaluable for years to come.

Where to find HVAC Contractors?

It’s always a good idea to ask your friends and neighbors if they have recommendations for contractors they like and trust. Many contractors rely on positive word of mouth to help grow their business, so if someone you trust is willing to back them, chances are they will do good work. There are also several online research tools, such as Angie’s List and association sites such as www.acca.org that provide listings of licensed and reputable contractors.

What to Look For?

Once you’ve identified a contractor, here are five helpful things to look for during your first meeting to make your choice a little easier. We recommend talking to at least three contractors to find the best fit for your situation.

  1. Do they know your system? The contractor needs to have the proper permits, and have experience with the kind of system you are using or want to install. Also make sure to get bids in writing and get guarantees on bids and work to be performed.
  2. Is the contractor fully licensed? Licensed HVAC contractors are tested on a wide variety of areas, from basic refrigeration components to piping. Using a licensed contractor will not only protect your investment, it will protect you against liability issues. Reputable contractors won’t hesitate to show you their credentials if you ask.
  3. Do they understand the big picture? A good contractor will be familiar with advances in technology, in order to better recommend choices to customers. You’ll want to consider environmental issues, safety, and money-saving options. In addition to quality equipment, you’ll need help with installation decisions.
  4. Do they recommend efficiency improvements? Did you know good contractors can also inspect your ductwork, change air filters and clean off your condenser unit? Many times simple maintenance issues can lead to significant cost savings. Go with a contractor that wants to help you understand maintenance and the right way to improve your cooling system
  5. Do they listen to you? A good contractor will take the time to fully answer your questions and make sure you understand their recommendation. You don’t want someone who is trying to rush off to the next job leaving you confused.

What things do you look for when hiring a contractor?

Related Articles
Advice From the Field: Q&A with Contractor

Related Videos
What’s a good contractor worth?
Right questions to ask your HVAC Contractor

Share
print

Was this helpful?

Vote This Post Up 744Loading...

24 thoughts on “How to Select the Right HVAC Contractor”

  1. One item to be aware of is to make sure to discuss with the contractor if any kind of city permits and inspections are needed and who will be responsible for obtaining them. Recently my sister had their home AC unit replaced by a licensed contractor. Contractor never mentioned the need for any permits. Fastforward, job is completed but during process the roof structured was compromised and other issues came afloat. Now she was filed small claim to get this fixed but potentially she is facing a fine for not getting a permit from the city.

    Reply ↓

  2. I found that it was helpful when you mentioned that a reputable contractor will be fully licensed. My wife and I are going to start looking for a contractor to help us if we decide to get our air conditioning unit repaired, so it could use less energy. It will be important for us to know that they will do a good job, so I will be sure to check their licensing status.

    Reply ↓

  3. I am glad that you mentioned that a reputable contractor will be glad to show you their credentials because the reputability is a huge aspect when it will come to hiring one. My wife and I have been talking about finding a contractor to help us fix our furnace, so it can run more effectively while using less energy. To make sure that they are reputable, I will be sure to consider asking about their credentials. https://www.novaheatandairnj.com/heating

    Reply ↓

  4. It is helpful that you suggested to check the license of an HVAC contractor before you choose to hire them. That sounds like a great way to gain trust in them. My wife and I want to hurry to find a contractor to help us fix our heating system in our home, and it will be important for us to be able to rely on who we choose to hire. When we look for one, I will be sure to consider their license. https://www.lonsdaleautoelectrical.com.au/car-heating

    Reply ↓

  5. I found it helpful that you suggested to choose a contractor who is fully licensed. We have been talking about finding a contractor to help us because our air conditioning stopped working last night, and we want to get it reliably repaired soon. When we look for a contractor, I will be sure to check their licensing beforehand. https://www.oehlplumbing.com/heating-repair-and-service

    Reply ↓

  6. I like the tip that you gave to choose a contractor who is properly licensed. My wife and I have been talking about finding a contractor to help us if we need to service our air conditioning before we start using it this year, and it would be important for us to know that we could find one who we could trust in. If we choose to find a contractor, I will be sure to look for one who is properly licensed, so I could be confident in our choice to hire them. http://www.masterservicetulsa.com/commercial-air-conditioning

    Reply ↓

  7. Thanks for explaining that the best HVAC contractors will know about advancements in technology, so we should consider asking if they understand the big picture. My husband and I need to find an HVAC contractor to help us choose an install a new AC system in our home. I’m glad I read your article because I feel a lot more prepared now that I know what questions to ask potential contractors.

    Reply ↓

  8. I like the tip that you gave to choose a contractor who listens to your concerns. My wife and I have been talking about finding a contractor to service our air conditioning, and it would be important for us to know that we can trust in who we hire. If we decide to hire a contractor, I will be sure to look for one who listens to us. http://www.alliedme.com/air-conditioning.html

    Reply ↓

  9. It really does help to make sure that the contractor you’ve chosen is fully licensed. After all, if they have the proper license then that means that they have been trained and certified to work on HVAC systems. This is really important if you will be relying on them to help repair and maintain your current air conditioner and furnace. http://bryantlincoln.com/

    Reply ↓

  10. Not many people think about it, but the article makes a pretty good point about how important it is for the HVAC contractor to see the big picture. After all, there is a lot more to your HVAC system then whether or not it is properly installed and working. HVAC systems can cost a lot of money to run and, because of that, your contractor should work with you to make sure that you have the most energy efficient HVAC system available to you. http://pallettheatingandcooling.com/

    Reply ↓

Let us know your thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *