What to Look for When Choosing an HVAC Company

In the United States, around 3 million HVAC systems require replacement each year.

According to these statistics, the likelihood of your own heating and cooling system breaking down is high. When that happens, you’re going to need a reliable HVAC company you can trust. After all, your heater and air conditioner are complex systems. They help to ventilate your indoor air and protect the air quality.

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is between 15 to 20 years. Is your system around this age or older? Then be prepared for the day to come when it stops working. When that happens, you’ll want trained professionals who can fix it fast.

In this article, we’ll explore several factors you should look for in an HVAC contractor. Keep reading to learn more!

State HVAC License

Did you know that every state has unique guidelines when it comes to bonding, licensure, insurance, and education for HVAC systems? Well, now you do.

In general, you’ll want your HVAC technician to have a minimum of 5 years of experience with heating and cooling systems. This training helps ensure the technician is knowledgeable of critical safety procedures.

Technology is always evolving and that doesn’t exclude HVAC systems. HVAC contractors should have an up-to-date license so that they are fully aware of the inner workings of an HVAC system’s airflow, combustion systems, refrigerant, electrical wiring, ductwork, and more.

Appropriate HVAC Tools and Installation Equipment

Any HVAC contractor you hire should have the necessary tools and equipment to get the job done right. There are many different industry-specific tools that an HVAC technician needs. Some of these tools even require specialized training to use.

These tools are not only necessary to do the job right but to carry it out safely. So, when choosing a company, be sure to ask if they offer their employees training on these unique tools. This can help you avoid a company that subcontracts out work.

Air conditioning installation is a technical process. If it’s done right, you should be able to get about 20 years of service from it. If the contractor lacks the proper training and equipment, they can reduce the life expectancy of the appliance.

Excellent Customer Reviews

No matter how experienced a contractor is, if their customer service is terrible, you won’t want to deal with them. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to find customer reviews and research an HVAC company.

Before you hire an HVAC contractor, find out what past customers thought of their service. This can give you key insights into whether there are big problems with a particular business. Also look into their social media pages, where you can often find comments and complaints posted.

Better Business Bureau

Another great way to research an HVAC company is to look them up on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, do be aware that it is optional to register with the BBB and the process for gaining accreditation is difficult. Just because a company isn’t registered with the BBB does not make them bad.

That being said, you can be rest assured that if an HVAC company is registered with the BBB and has an A or higher rating, they are well worth your consideration.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Yet another factor to consider is whether the HVAC company has a satisfaction guarantee. The ideal company will have a policy stating that issues or complaints from their customers will be resolved.

For example, Mr. Central offers a “Worry-Free Guarantee“. If you aren’t 100 percent satisfied with their service within the first 12 months of the work done, you can have them remove the installed equipment and receive a full refund.

This type of guarantee helps to give you the peace of mind you need to know you selected an excellent company. Many companies will have hidden in the fine print that they’ll repair or replace defective equipment, but will not guarantee your satisfaction.

Compare Price Quotes

If you’ve whittled down your list to two potential HVAC contractors and they seem almost identical, then the next step is to get price quotes. Having a price quote on hand can be a deal-breaker for you when it comes to making a final decision.

When getting a price quote, make sure the company has come to your home and looked at your HVAC system. This is essential to ensuring you receive an accurate quote. Generalized price quotes done over the phone are apt to change once a technician arrives on site.

From here, you can then compare the varying price quotes. This will help you to choose a company that has the most affordable options while still meeting your service needs.

The Dangers of an Unqualified HVAC Contractor

Did you know that working on an HVAC system requires knowledge of both low- and high-voltage wiring? Contractors also have to deal with combustible fuels and even poisonous gases. An inexperienced contractor can not only have negative consequences for you but are also a danger to themselves.

There are certain processes that must be followed the proper way. This ensures the safety, life expectancy, and efficiency of your equipment. If the contractor fails to follow any of these required processes, you can be left paying a high energy bill for years. On top of that, your HVAC system may not work as well as it should, failing to keep you warm in winter or cool in summer. There’s also the risk of its life expectancy being shortened by multiple years.

Choose a Qualified HVAC Company for Peace of Mind

Ready to hire an HVAC company you can depend on? Mr. Central has over 50 years of experience servicing homes and businesses in South Carolina. We use the latest technology and training to ensure our staff gives the best possible service.

Mr. Central specializes in all things related to the HVAC industry. We can handle everything from simple repairs to designing and installing a complete HVAC system for your home or commercial building.