If you need to install or repair a heating and air conditioning system in your home, you should hire a qualified professional. A licensed HVAC technician can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, a good technician should offer guarantees.
The best way to find an excellent heating and air conditioning contractor is to do your research. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Also, check online for reviews, BBB ratings, and other similar metrics. This will help you to avoid scams and make sure that you are getting the best deal.
You should also look for a contractor that is ENERGY STAR certified. ENERGY STAR products are highly energy efficient and provide significant long-term savings. To find a company that offers these products, look for the ENERGY STAR logo.
It’s important to hire a company that has proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Liability insurance is necessary to protect customers from unexpected problems. However, some contractors do not carry this type of insurance. When choosing a contractor, be sure that he or she carries a good amount of liability insurance.
Another good idea is to find an HVAC contractor that is NATE certified. The NATE certification is an independent certifying organization for HVAC contractors. Several states, including New York, require contractors to have this certification. Besides ensuring that the contractor is knowledgeable and experienced, the certification means that the company has the skills and tools to do the job right.
Besides certifying the contractor’s skills, NATE offers training to ensure that the technician can work on all types of heating and cooling systems. An effective technician will know the latest ENERGY STAR certified products, so you can expect to save money on utility bills.
HVAC licensing requirements vary from state to state. Look into your local area’s website for licensing information. Some areas require on-the-job hours while others require trade school. Other states require a higher level of certification than the EPA or NATE.
In some states, such as Maryland, the master license is required for all HVAC contractors. This is because the Master License guarantees the best quality HVAC services. Getting your HVAC system checked by a trained professional will also save you from expensive repairs down the road.
The right heating and air conditioning contractor will not only give you a fair estimate, but will come to your home to perform the work. Before you sign a contract, be sure to discuss all the details of the project. Your contract should include the name of the contractor, his office and cell phone numbers, and the scope of the work.
Having a heating and air conditioning system installed by a contractor who is licensed will allow you to save money and prevent a power outage. Make sure to get a written estimate that includes the labor and material costs. Avoid paying more than 10 to 20 percent of the total cost in advance. That’s because you may be paying for previous work that was not completed, as well as bills from the previous job.