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

First, find a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and more important, listen to you. With that information, they should be able to show you up to four options from which you can pick.

When they set up your installation, is it when you wish to have it done, or when they can get to it? 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 variety of areas, from load calculation to piping and a lot of steps in between. You could get the top-of-the-line system, but if it’s not installed correctly you may not get top-of-the-line performance.

Here are some other questions to help you make the best decision while searching for your HVAC contractor.

Are They Certified?

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

Have you seen references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can refer to and verify the quality of their company’s work. Call 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 view 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 committed to their trade 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 normally the most beneficial recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk with 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 reliable work for you too.

Do you know if they’re licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but nearly all of them do. It’s easy to search online to see 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 guard 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 best to look elsewhere to help get around any potential problems.

When do I bring up these questions?

The best time to ask questions and pick an HVAC contractor is right now, before something goes wrong with your system. Get your furnace inspected while it’s working as usual and arrange your annual maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. in Haines City. Our HVAC professionals would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 863-216-2923. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.