14 Questions to Ask Your HVAC Contractor
Are you in the market for a new HVAC system but aren’t sure where to start and how to go about it?
Then this guide is for you! Installing a new HVAC can be stressful and expensive, so making sure you are doing it right is important.
For starters, you should make sure that you choose the right HVAC contractor to do the job. This will ensure that you don’t have unforeseen issues just a few months down the road.
So how do you know which HVAC contractor to choose? Keep reading to learn about 14 questions you need to ask when searching to make sure you choose the right contractor!
1. Do You Have Insurance?
One of the first and most important questions that you should ask your potential contractor is if they have insurance.
By hiring a contractor that has insurance, you are protected from any lawsuits that may arise through the process or after. It also protects you and your property if the contract accidentally damages it. You won’t be out money since they have insurance to cover it.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Another top question you need to ask when buying a new HVAC system and hiring a contractor is how long the person or company you are looking at has been in business.
The length of time they have been working or been in business will illustrate their success, their experience, and their knowledge of the trade.
As a general rule of thumb, the longer a contractor has been in business, the more qualified they are for the job. However, that is not always the case so it is important to do your own research!
3. Do You Install Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems?
If you are installing a new HVAC system into your home, it may be worth asking if it is energy-efficient.
With an energy-efficient air conditioner or heating system, you will be saving yourself money in the long term. If you pair the system with other energy-saving systems, you will also be saving yourself maintenance time and costs.
If the contractor you are looking to hire does not install these systems, you will have to make a decision on what your top priorities are.
4. Do You Offer a Free Consultation?
It can be difficult to choose an HVAC system or contractor without talking through options and each of the system’s features. Contractors that offer a free consultation show that they care about your happiness and business. They want to make sure you are comfortable with the process, cost, and time before charging you for buying a new HVAC.
Make sure to ask if they would offer a free consultation before diving in! This will save you money down the road!
5. How Do Your Prices Compare to Other HVAC Contractors in Town?
An important part of the process of buying a new HVAC system is probably the cost. Why buy a system that is way more expensive when you’re getting the same thing if you spent less?
Asking the contractors about their pricing and how they compare to other companies in town is crucial for making sure that you are getting the best deal. It also doesn’t hurt to double-check the prices online or by calling around just to make sure they really are the best when it comes to cost!
6. Do You Provide Financing Options?
It may not be feasible for you to buy a new HVAC system outright at the moment. And that’s completely okay! Asking the contractor that you are interested in working with can help you determine if they are right for you.
Be sure to spend some time talking about this so you understand the ins and outs of the financing options and how they will each affect you.
7. How Long Does Installation Take?
Knowing how long it will take for the contractors and workers to install your new HVAC system is important because it may interfere with your workday and everyday life.
When asking this question, you could also ask if you need to be there during the installation depending on what your days look like. If you work during the week and are more comfortable being there, you could also ask if they work on the weekends.
Finding a time to schedule it all depends on the time it takes to install the new HVAC system into your home, so be sure to ask that first.
8. Do You Offer Rebates?
Are you into saving money when purchasing things for your home? You most likely answered that question with a “duh, who doesn’t?”
Well if you did, then you’ll want to ask your potential contractor if they offer any rebates or promotions on the systems that you are looking at. There may also be rebates on specific products so asking about it before purchasing can be beneficial in saving you money.
9. What Is Your Customer Service Like?
Having customer service that suits your needs is a must. If you have a question after-hours and it is important, you’re going to want to make sure that someone is on the other end answering your question.
When hiring a contractor, ask if they have customer service representatives available 24/7.
The answer to this question will also demonstrate how much they care and prioritize their customers. If it’s a no, they may not be prioritizing you as much as they should be.
10. Do You Offer Warranties on All Products and What Are the Details?
One of the worst things that could happen after installing a new HVAC is realizing that something has gone wrong. If that’s the case, you definitely want to have a warranty on the product to make sure that it is covered. This means if something goes wrong or it breaks within a certain time period, you are not responsible for replacing it.
Instead, the contractor is on the hook.
Be sure you have all of the details about the specific warranty before deciding on the contractor.
11. Does Anyone Oversee the Installation of the HVAC System?
When deciding on a contractor and buying a new HVAC system, you’re investing a lot of time and money. Although you are asking all of the other questions to make sure you are hiring the right contractor, you may also want to ask about who oversees and supervises the project.
This will give you extra peace of mind during the install knowing that someone extremely knowledgeable is overseeing the process.
12. How Frequently Should I Have My System Serviced?
Asking about maintenance will keep you on track for the year and make sure that you are keeping your system up-to-date.
Depending on the frequency that you need maintenance on your system, you should be sure to schedule these with the same company and contractor.
Many warranties also require that you have regular maintenance on your system to keep the warranty in effect. This is something you should ask about before hiring someone.
13. Do You Get Rid of the Old System or Do I?
When installing a new HVAC system, the last thing you want to do is be left to deal with the old system and the remaining parts.
Be sure to ask if the contractors get rid of the old system and what they do with it. However, this is not a make-or-break question – it’s all personal preference whether or not you want someone to get rid of it for you or if you want to do it yourself.
14. If I Need Maintenance on My System, How Long Will I Have to Wait for Service?
If your air conditioner system breaks down during the day in the middle of the summer, or your furnace breaks down in the middle of a blizzard, the last thing you want is to wait for maintenance.
Asking the contractor how long you would have to wait on average gives you a good idea of their customer service.
Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor For You
Choosing the right HVAC contractor can be a daunting process since you have to do a lot of research and ask the right questions. But hopefully, after reading this article, you feel confident in your ability to choose the right one for installing a new HVAC in your home!
At HVAC Service Cost, we offer free estimates and quotes! Contact us today for yours, and we’ll be sure to answer all of the questions you have!
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