Finding the right contractor for your HVAC installation is essential. You want someone who is honest, knowledgeable and an expert, someone who can not only install a new system, but who will know the best system to install, and the correct way to install it. With a little help from the federal Energy Star program, here are 10 tips for finding the right contractor:
- Do your homework. Find out what licensing companies are required to have, and make sure they have enough insurance.
- Ask your friends for referrals. One of the best ways to find a company that you’ll be satisfied with is to find out whom other people have been satisfied with in the past.
- Check references. Again, one of the best predictors for how well a company will perform is how well they have performed in the past. A good contractor should be able to provide a long list of satisfied customers you can talk with.
- Know thyself. Make note of your current system — what model you have, its history, and any comfort problems you want to correct — and communicate such info, to make sure the contractor fixes the problems.
- Require a thorough home evaluation. Each situation is unique, and your system should be tailored to the needs of your home. The contractor should inspect and evaluate your home to determine the best solution.
- Get detailed estimates. Bids should spell out exactly what is included in the price, to make comparisons fair and ensure you know what you are getting.
- Get it in writing. There should be a written proposal to sign before work begins, specifying all important details.
- Find special offers or rebates. Many incentives may be available, either from the installer, the manufacturer or even the IRS.
- Look for efficiency. An HVAC system can be responsible for more than half your home’s total energy consumption, so consider the long-term utility costs and look for the Energy Star label.
- Be open to suggestions. You may have a particular system or features in mind, but when an expert suggests alternatives, they may be worth considering; after all, that’s why they’re the expert.
If you have any questions, contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the Twin Cities since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning services Minnesota’s Twin Cities. To get started, check out our website.