How to select an HVAC/Plumbing contractor

May 4, 2015
3 min read

Finding a good and reliable contractor to install a new furnace or central air conditioner can be as important as the equipment you choose. Proper installation and maintenance is needed for the equipment to operate safely, reliably, and at maximum efficiency. Contractors that take the time to go over how to use your new system explain regular maintenance and offer a preventive maintenance contract to meet the manufactures specifications in order to keep the warranty viable is imperative. Here are some suggestions for selecting a contractor.

1. Check to make sure your contractor has the licenses and certifications required by the local area or state where you live
2. Make sure the contractor is insured and bonded
3. Check reviews and the Better Business Bureau to verify customer satisfaction
4. Choose a contractor that inspects your current system and asks about any heating or cooling problems you currently have and offers understandable explanations and/or solutions.
5. Get a contract that specifies what work will be performed, what equipment will be used, what the costs for the installation are and what the warranties are.
6. Make sure you know if the contractor is pulling necessary permits
7. Codes are constantly changing, your contractor has to be aware of current code requirements because when getting an inspection they are required to correct any issues that may be on any old equipment (which could require an additional fee) and meet code requirements for any new installations.
8. Ask if the technicians are certified
9. Inquire about continuing education, certifications and associations. A contractor who values continuing education and training will be able to offer you information and options for high-efficiency equipment as well as new products entering the market. Less-qualified companies may not keep their employees current with the latest technology, and therefore they may discourage you from new and better designs.
10. Ask if the contractor has a refrigerant recovery machine to handle the refrigerant as necessary
11. Check to see if the contractor estimated the cooling loads and duct requirements by collecting detailed information in your home and using calculations to determine the correct size for your home.
12. Many furnaces and central air conditioners are not properly sized for the homes they serve, because of improper sizing years ago and/or energy efficiency improvements since the old equipment was installed. Make sure your contractor will not just use your existing equipment to size your new heating or cooling system.
13. Ask your contractor if they can estimate the annual operating costs (energy bills) for the equipment they are proposing for your home using their heat-load and/or cooling-load calculations.
14. When selecting a contractor, don’t let “lowest price” be the main reason for selecting that contractor. Better contractors may charge more, because they can offer greater value. Be skeptical of extremely low bids; those contractors may not be including all routine services and customary warranties, or they may be trying to unload outdated or unreliable equipment.
15. The contractor you want is one that is professional, knowledgeable and one that will educate you on your options. Their team is prompt, courteous and respectful of you and your home. You want to use a contractor that has met the above items and one that has an office or shop facility, and is open to having you visit them during their office hours.