As of 2023, there are over 141,000 HVAC contractors in the U.S. You can find contractors in every city, and you’ll likely need to hire one at some point if you’re a homeowner.
Every homeowner needs HVAC maintenance and repairs, which means you need an HVAC contractor. Of course, you’ll want to choose the right one before hiring them.
So how do you choose the right one? One of the best ways is by asking some vital questions. Here are four questions to ask before hiring an HVAC contractor.
1. What Brands of Devices Do You Service?
If you don’t know what type of furnace you have, look at it before calling. You’ll need to know the brand to ask the HVAC contractor if they service that brand.
Additionally, it’s helpful to know what type of furnace you have. For example, is it a forced-air furnace, boiler, or heat pump?
Knowing these factors can help you ask the right questions when contacting HVAC contractors.
2. Do You Have All the Necessary Credentials?
You can ask as many HVAC questions as you want, but it’s always vital to ask about their credentials.
First, is the contractor licensed in your city? A license gives the contractor the necessary credentials to work in your area.
Secondly, ask if they have contractor bonding. Bonding protects you if problems arise from the work the contractor offers.
Additionally, find out if they’re insured. Contractor insurance also protects you if you experience problems with their services.
3. What Type of Guarantee Do You Offer?
Most HVAC companies offer guarantees on their work. However, the guarantees vary. You can learn about a company’s guarantee by asking this HVAC question.
A guarantee protects the work the contractor offers. For example, if your furnace stops working again the day after they repaired it, will they address the issues for free?
Additionally, how long will they honor their work? They might offer a 30-day warranty with their services. With this, you can call them to address your HVAC issues if any occur within 30 days of their visit.
4. How Much Do You Charge?
Furnaces experience many common issues. So you should try to fix the problem before calling an HVAC company. After all, fixing it yourself is more affordable.
However, you’ll experience times when you need an expert. If you’re concerned with your budget, ask the contractor about their prices. Additionally, ask if they offer quotes before making repairs.
Some companies can give you an approximate cost over the phone. However, others might only give you a quote after they examine your system.
Find the Best HVAC Contractor
Maintaining your furnace increases its useful life and helps you avoid outages. As a result, you need an HVAC contractor to call for maintenance and repairs. Once you find the best one, you’ll have someone you trust.
Contact us at Alco HVAC if you need repairs or maintenance. We service Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, VA., and would love to answer your questions.
