Choosing an HVAC contractor is an important decision that you shouldn’t decide upon without doing some investigating to be sure you’re making the correct choice.

First, select a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and then listen to you. With that information, they should be able to offer up to four options from which you can select.

When they set up your installation, is it when you want it done, or when they can squeeze you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will make certain that it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not something you can do yourself and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in a number of areas, from load calculation to piping and a bunch of steps in between. You could get the highest rated system, but if it’s improperly installed you may not get the best performance.

Here are a few other questions to help you make the best decision while finding your HVAC contractor.

Do they have NATE-Certification?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and rigorous tests created by a committee of industry experts. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will provide you peace of mind knowing your contractor has completed in-depth professional training.

Can they provide references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can talk to and tell you about the quality of their company’s work. Chat with their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend the company.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to check out the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll have the ability to see any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a nonprofit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be dedicated to their work and will be able to give referrals for previous work.

Another option is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are usually the most valuable recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to check out and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors rely on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust stands by them it’s likely they’ll do good work for you too.

Are they properly licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but almost all of them do. It’s easy to search online to find out if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when gathering quotes from a contractor. The reason most states require licenses is simply to protect you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.

If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably better to look elsewhere to help avoid any potential concerns.

When should you ask about these questions?

The best time to ask questions and choose an HVAC contractor is right now, before something goes wrong with your system. Get your furnace checked out while it’s operating as usual and set up your annual maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Strine's in York. Our HVAC professionals would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 717-383-4479. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.