With all the other modern conveniences you have in your home, it’s easy to take your HVAC system for granted. But central Iowa homeowners know when it stops working in the heat of summer or the bitter cold of winter, finding a knowledgeable, experienced, and honest HVAC contractor quickly becomes your top priority. Before you choose a contractor for your next HVAC repair or replacement, you want to know they will do the job right.
At Aspen Aire Heating & Cooling, we want everyone to have the best HVAC system and service possible. We also know that choosing the right contractor can feel overwhelming. Here’s how you can ask the right questions to choose an HVAC contractor you can trust to install your system quickly and efficiently.
What to Ask Before Hiring Your HVAC Contractor
1. License and Insurance
Before anything else, you want to make sure the HVAC contractor you hire has the training and experience necessary to do the job. That could seem like a low bar to clear but, if they don’t meet those basic requirements, do you want them to do the job?
To establish this baseline, you can ask questions such as:
Are you licensed to perform HVAC work in Iowa?
If a contractor is licensed, you know their technicians have the training and skills necessary to install HVAC systems safely and efficiently. Licensed contractors will have knowledge of local building codes, which can help prevent fines or legal trouble that could come up with non-compliant installations.
Are you insured and bonded?
A contractor’s insurance protects you as a homeowner from liability if injuries, accidents, or property damage occur while a job is being done.
How long has your company been in business?
The longevity of an HVAC contractor shows that they have the knowledge, experience, and most likely, the good business practices to continue to stay in business.
2. Credentials and References
Being licensed and insured is only the beginning. Knowing that an HVAC contractor has invested in further training and certification, received industry recognition, and has positive customer testimonials builds trust in their skill and business practices.
You can evaluate a prospective HVAC contractor’s credentials with questions like:
Do you have any industry recognition or certifications?
Industry recognition, such as the Rheem Top Pro Partner program or certification like the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) program, indicates that the contractor is dedicated to ensuring that their technicians have high-quality training and top-notch skills.
Do you have any customer references/reviews you can provide?
Customer references or reviews give you a preview of what your HVAC installation experience could be like. If a company is willing to display its customer reviews and links to third-party review sites on its website, it indicates they are honest and willing to let its work speak for itself through its customers.
3. Equipment and Installation
You want to make sure you get quality equipment when you have an HVAC system installed, so knowing the brands they have available is crucial. Equally as important is knowing the details of installation.
Make sure you know what you’re getting by asking questions like:
What brands of HVAC equipment do you recommend and why?
Each HVAC brand comes with its own technology, design, and potential extra capabilities. An experienced HVAC contractor can tell you the details of each brand and model of the heating and cooling equipment they offer and what they believe will work best for your home, including details about important aspects like energy efficiency. Knowing all these details helps you make an informed decision.
What is the installation process and how long will it take?
Work is being done on your home. You should understand what that entails and what it means for you and your family. Depending on how much is being done, you might have to vacate certain rooms or even leave your home to allow the installers room to work. Additionally, if you’re having new equipment installed when you need it most, as often happens – an AC unit in the summer or a furnace in the winter – you deserve to know exactly how long an install will take.
Who will actually install the HVAC system – employees or subcontractors?
Knowing who will do the actual work to install your HVAC equipment is important. If technicians employed by the HVAC contractor install your equipment, they are covered by that contractor’s insurance, and you can be certain they have the training and expertise you established earlier in the conversation. Subcontractors are hired by the contractor you are hiring to do that installation. Because they’re not part of the company, they are not generally covered by the contractor’s insurance.
4. Price, Warranty, and Support
An HVAC contractor could have great equipment and a stellar reputation, but price can make or break your decision. You need to know the cost, what it includes, and how you are able to pay. In addition, you need to know what happens if your newly installed HVAC equipment fails or what can be done to maintain it.
To get this vital information, ask questions like:
Can you tell me what’s included in the installation and provide an itemized estimate?
You deserve to know exactly what you’ll potentially be paying for, including the cost of each part and labor. That helps you make an informed decision.
Do you offer financing options?
Financing gives you some flexibility in paying for your installation. That allows you to choose the best possible option and pay it back over time rather than all at once.
What kind of manufacturer and labor warranties are provided?
Each manufacturer has their own warranty that covers specific scenarios where equipment malfunctions or breaks for a set number of years. The typical length of a manufacturer warranty is around 10 years. Labor warranties for HVAC system installations vary from contractor to contractor, but the typical length is between one and five years. Knowing what is covered and for how long gives you peace of mind.
Time To Use What You’ve Learned
You have all the right questions to ask. You’re ready to choose an HVAC contractor you can trust. Aspen Aire Heating and Cooling has provided professional HVAC services to commercial and residential customers in Des Moines and surrounding communities since 2006.
Call Aspen Aire today at (515) 257-8370 or request service online to set up your HVAC estimate, installation, or service.
