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

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

When they arrange your installation, is it when you wish to have it done, or when they can fit you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will make sure that it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not a do-it-yourself affair 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 installed incorrectly you may not get the best performance.

Here are a few other questions to help you make the best choice while finding your HVAC contractor.

Are they NATE-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 created 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 finished rigorous professional training.

Have you seen references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company will be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can talk to and tell you about the quality of their company’s work. Chat with their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend them to you.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to look at the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll have the ability to see 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 work and will be able to offer 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 to and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors count on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust stands by them it’s likely they’ll do great work for you too.

Are they properly 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 find out if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when gathering quotes from a contractor. The reason many states require licenses is simply to protect 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 better to look elsewhere to help avoid any potential issues.

When is the best time to ask these questions?

The best time to ask questions and find an HVAC contractor is right now, before something happens to your system. Get your furnace looked at while it’s working as usual and schedule your yearly maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Olde Towne Heating & Air in Mount Pleasant. Our HVAC professionals would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 843-485-0967. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.