Six Questions to Ask When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Severe weather can happen anywhere, so the bulk of homeowners are familiar with storm damage. Hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and hail can affect many aspects of your property, such as the landscape, roof, siding and windows. 

Strong winds and floods are also major concerns for outdoor heating and cooling equipment. In extreme weather, units will sometimes be forced out of position, frequently toppling over and causing damage to electrical systems and refrigerant lines. Even when systems remain upright, they may accumulate mud and other debris, which must be cleaned before they can operate properly. 

For your safety when examining your storm-damaged home, don’t turn on the HVAC system until it has gotten the all-clear from a heating and cooling contractor. The trick is knowing who to hire for the job. After all, any random individual with a truck can claim to be an HVAC technician. Someone unqualified and tampering with your heating and cooling could make matters worse, not to mention overcharge you and then vanish without a trace. 

Situations like these tend to escalate during storm cleanup. To avoid being taken advantage of, here are the top six questions to ask when hiring a heating and cooling contractor. 

1. Are you licensed, insured and certified? 

Many states have licensing and insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. This provides peace of mind that whoever is working on your system has the appropriate training and coverage in case an accident occurs. Continued ACE certification only further supports a contractor’s ability to supply high-quality service. 

2. What can you tell me about your experience and reputation? 

While longevity alone doesn’t guarantee a contractor will do a good job, it shows that they are proficient enough to stay in business for the long term. If you are able to, look up the company’s name online to verify that they’re telling the truth about their experience. 

While you’re at it, look into the contractors you’re considering on Google and other third-party review websites. Testimonials from past customers present a good idea of what to expect. 

For even more specific answers, check with potential contractors for the contact details of past customers. As you call these references and read online reviews, seek out answers to the following questions: 

• Did the contractor complete the job on time? 
• Did the contractor leave the customer feeling satisfied? 
• Was the final bill the same price as the initial estimate? 
• Did a live person always answer calls, or did an answering machine pick up? 

3. Are the technicians background-checked and drug-tested? 

You want assurance that the HVAC technicians who do the work are clean, dependable and safe to have around your family. For complete peace of mind, check with the contractor if background checks and drug tests are compulsory before introducing new hires to the team. 

4. Can you evaluate the entire home HVAC system? 

If the storm damage is severe enough to wipe out your HVAC system, you may need a replacement. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough to simply swap out one furnace and air conditioner for another. After all, a comfort system is only as good as the ductwork it’s attached to. So if you’re thinking about HVAC replacement after a storm, ask potential contractors these questions: 

• Do you complete heat loss/gain evaluations? 
• Do you assess insulation levels and air leaks? 

• Do you check the duct system to ensure proper sizing and configuration? 

5. Can I get an estimate in writing? 

A written, itemized estimate is crucial when comparing bids from various HVAC contractors. Look for a company that offers free estimates and transparent, fair pricing. Also, be sure to ask whether the company charges by the hour or by the job so you understand what you’re paying for. Just be aware that the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best deal, particularly if it’s considerably lower than the rest. Odds are the contractor will either cut corners to make the price seem fair or tack on hidden fees at the end. 

6. Do you have any special offers? 

Getting your HVAC system back online after a severe storm isn’t always cheap. That’s why it’s worthwhile to inquire about any savings you may qualify for when repairing or replacing your equipment. Also, find out what financing and leasing options the contractor carries as a stress-free way to pay for unexpected HVAC services following a storm. 

Choose Golden Seal Service Experts 

Do you need a reputable contractor to repair your HVAC system after unexpected flooding? You can’t go wrong with Golden Seal Service Experts. We are a national company with hometown heart, a combination that helps us stay ahead of the competition. If you value fair prices, long-lasting results and total satisfaction, we can meet your needs to a tee. Contact your local Golden Seal Service Experts office for help examining and servicing your HVAC system.