Finding the right HVAC contractor can be tricky. You can try asking your friends, checking service review websites, or simply picking a company at random, but there’s a methodically effective way to be sure you’re getting the right contractor for the job.
When you know what to look for and the proper questions to ask, finding the right HVAC contractor can be easy. You can make a well-informed decision and use your own judgment.
Ask yourself whether the contractor:
- Offered an estimate over the phone. If so, hang up and call another company. If a contractor is willin
g to give an estimate without assessing your heating load, checking the size of your ducts, and talking to you about your specific needs, that’s not a good sign. - Recommended high-efficiency equipment. The keywords you want to hear are “Energy Star-certified” products. The HVAC industry is moving away from low-efficiency products, so you may find it hard to find parts for repairs, a compatible thermostat, etc. in the future.
- Based your new equipment on the size of your old system. Most old units are over-sized. Good contractors will size your furnace according to your heating load, not your previous furnace.
- Ask about problems. Some issues with your old furnace may be caused by other system components, not the unit itself. They should ask about these issues beforehand, so you know what to expect once the new unit is installed.
- Provided lifetime cost estimates. Contractors have formulas that allow them to estimate the cost of owning the furnace from the day it’s installed to the end of its lifespan. This includes: price, fuel, efficiency, repairs, and many other factors that add to the real-life price of the unit.
If a contractor meets all the requirements above, make sure they are willing to put everything in writing and guarantee the work with a signed contract.
Finding the right HVAC contractor can be as easy as contacting us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re a family-owned company with a track record of more than 35 years providing the highest-quality service to the Twin Cities metro area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about finding a contractor and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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