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

First, find a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and actually listen to you. With that noted, they should be able to present up to four options from which you can choose.

When they arrange your installation, is it when you wish to have it done, or when they can squeeze you in? 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 a DIY job and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in many areas, from load calculation to piping and a lot of steps in between. You could get the highest rated system, but if it’s not installed correctly you may not get top-of-the-line performance.

Here are a few other questions to help you make the best choice 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 demonstrated 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.

Do they have references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company ought to 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. Call 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 dedicated 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 usually the most useful 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 rely on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust recommends them it’s likely they’ll do reliable work for you too.

Have you verified 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 determine if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when gathering quotes from a contractor. The reason a lot of 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 better to look elsewhere to help avoid any potential issues.

When do I bring up these questions?

The best time to ask questions and choose an HVAC contractor is right now, before something happens to your system. Get your furnace checked out while it’s operating as usual and set up your routine maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Northern Comfort Inc in Mankato area. Our HVAC professionals would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 507-387-6596. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.