Most Americans spend 7% of their annual income on energy expenses, and about 6% of all energy in the US is for air conditioning units.
That 6% amounts to $29 billion dollars annually. Which is why it makes sense to hire a top HVAC company when something goes wrong.
Especially when it costs between $2,500 and $7,000 to install a new heating system and between $350 and $15,000 to install a new air conditioning unit. It pays to do some research to find the best heating and air conditioning companies in your local area.
But it’s not always so easy to determine which company to choose. We want to help you get the best service at the best price.
Keep reading to learn the top 10 tips to find the best HVAC company for your needs.
1. Ask Friends and Family for Their Top HVAC Company
Always start by asking the people you know for a referral to a top rated heating and air conditioning systems company. But don’t just ask for a referral and leave it at that.
Ask the person giving the referral why they liked the company so much. Ask them if there was anything they didn’t like about the company.
There’s a good chance if their experience was good, yours will be too.
2. Check Out Online Reviews
Whether you have a personal referral or not, it’s always helpful to check out HVAC systems reviews before you contact a company.
Don’t be alarmed if you see one or two negative reviews. It could be an isolated incident or just an angry customer.
However, if you see many negative reviews or you don’t see signs where the company made contact with the angry reviewer to patch things up, chances are you’re better off working with a different company.
If most reviews are positive, it’s a great sign you’re on the right track.
3. Ask About Their Licensing and Experience
HVAC equipment isn’t cheap. You want to make sure the person working on it knows what they’re doing.
In many states, a contractor must have several years of experience in the field before they can apply for a license. And most states require those who hold a license to carry bonding and insurance as well.
Ask About Experience and Training
But don’t forget to ask your contractor about their experience. Stability in a business is a good sign your contractor knows what he or she is doing.
And ask if the technician is trained in the brands you have installed in your home. Each system is unique so it’s important they know what they’re doing.
You should also ask if they have any specific certifications.
4. Take a Look at Their Website
The best heating and air conditioning companies have good websites. Their websites are free from clutter, have the information you’re looking for, and looks professional.
Avoid unprofessional websites. This is their main piece of marketing. If the company isn’t going to invest in their marketing, it’s often a sign their business isn’t doing well.
5. Get a Home Evaluation
Have potential contractors do a home evaluation to determine the best HVAC systems for your home. There’s a lot to factor in such as square footage, the number of windows and which direction they face, and R-value of insulation.
A good contractor will inspect your system for leaks, insulation, and any loose segments. They should also ask you questions to determine the right system for your needs.
Your contractor can’t determine the sizing of the new system based solely on square footage. Instead, it’s based on calculations determined by data.
Once you have your evaluations, you can do a thorough comparison.
6. Do a Price and Value Comparison
Never base your decision solely on pricing. The cheapest option is not always the best one.
HVAC systems are complex. How successful your system works depends on how competent your contractor is more than the system’s factory specifications.
Make sure your technician is NATE certified and is factory trained.
7. Look for Rebates and Special Offers
Energy efficient equipment usually comes with rebates. But there are other rebates and special offers that can also help lower the cost of your new HVAC system.
Ask your contractor about any rebates or special offers available.
You can learn more here about Installer Rewards.
8. Know What Questions to Ask
Be proactive during your hunt for the best heating and air conditioning company. Ask questions until you feel comfortable you’re hiring a quality company.
If they are unwilling to answer your questions, it’s a red flag and you should move on to another company.
And don’t forget that with most HVAC systems, the cost is higher up front. However, in the long term, you’ll end up saving.
Make sure you ask about the long term costs of your system. Most of them last at least 10-15 years so you want to make sure you don’t end up with a system that monetarily drains you for an entire decade.
9. Get Written Quotes
Get a few different quotes before you hire anyone.
If you choose the hire the cheapest company, make sure that for the price quoted, they’re providing all the services you need. And make sure they will guarantee their work.
10. Ask if They Plan to Replace Your Old System With the Same Model
If you find that a company is trying to sell you the same model or an older model than the most current ones, it’s probably because they’re trying to unload their own inventory.
That’s not a good sign. The probability that the company has the exact system for your home in their warehouse is unlikely. And not all AC units are the same.
Choosing the proper size is the most important factor, much more important than the make and model.
Learn More Here
Home improvement projects such as installing or repairing an HVAC system can get costly if you don’t know what you’re doing.
We can help. Not only can we help you find the top HVAC company to do the job, but we can also help you find tons of other home repair people.
And we can even help you do some jobs on your own. To read more consumer resources, click here.