Special Report: 15 Questions To Ask Before Choosing an HVAC Company
Industry Insiders Reveal Tips to Save You Money and Frustration
This Special Report was put together by industry veterans with 20+ years of experience in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning. This report is designed to save you money and frustration by helping you ask the right questions when choosing an HVAC company. When asking these questions, have a pen and paper ready, and take good notes. Then you can compare companies based on more than just price. It is also a good idea to ask for any evidence to support the answers you receive as opposed to simply accepting a pat response. This will place you firmly in the “Driver’s Seat” and make the process easier and less costly.
“What is your license number?” “May I see a copy of your license?”- Not every company out there has the required licenses. A top-notch company will gladly provide you with a copy of their license at your request.
“How much liability insurance do you carry?” “May I see a copy of your current insurance card?”- Contractor’s liability insurance protects you against damage to your home. Look for a company that has more than the minimum required amount for extra peace of mind.
“What is the permanent address of your office?” “Is it open to the public?”- A permanent office is a sign of stability and strength. Look for a company who is more likely to be available when you need them. This question is also a good way to flush out a "One Truck Charlie" who probably does not have enough staff to serve you in an emergency.
“How long have you been in business as a company? (Under the same name or with the same ownership)”- 3 out of 5 HVAC companies go out of business in the first five years. A longer time in business is a good indicator they will be there to honor their warranties in the future.
“How can I be sure your installation will meet or exceed local codes and safety regulations?”- The answer here should include some mention of certifications, quality control and pulling required building permits. You may also want to ask if all installers working on your job will be carrying their EPA and RMGA certification cards.
“What is your company policy regarding permits?” A permit and inspection will give you verification by a third party that everything is safe and correct. We recommend only working with someone who will pull the required permits when required.
“What kinds of financing do you offer?”- Ask this question even if you are not intending to use financing. This speaks to the financial strength and credit rating of the company. “Fly by night” operations can rarely offer financing.
“I plan to look at your record with the Better Business Bureau. What am I going to see?”- The BBB is a great resource to help you find a good company to work with. Avoid those with unresolved issues or frequent complaints.
“Do you offer a written satisfaction guarantee?” “What other warranties or guarantees do you offer?”- Obviously, a written satisfaction guarantee and written warranties are a must. Did I mention Written? Like my Mamma always said, "A verbal agreement ain't worth the paper it's printed on"
“Can you give me at least three written testimonials from customers who are satisfied with your services?”- A superior company will eagerly offer testimonial letters and will be able to deliver them quickly or on the spot.
“What is your web address?”- A website is another good indicator that the company is serious about what they do, and are probably more likely to be there to serve in the future.
“Do you perform a computerized load calculation on every job?”- The EPA, Energy Star and the Dept. of Energy all agree; a good contractor will not leave the important task of sizing to chance or “experience”
“Who is the owner of your company?” “May I call them if I have a problem?” “What is their phone number?”- An owner who is serious about customer satisfaction will always welcome a call from a customer. Especially if those calls will lead to improvements in customer satisfaction.
“What will your crew do to protect my carpet and flooring during the installation?”- Drop cloths, floor protectors and vacuums should be standard protocol. If they give you a blank stare here, just show them the door. Insist on a company that takes responsibility to leave things as clean or cleaner than when they started.
“Is the brand I choose the most important thing?” “What brands do you offer?”- While the brand you choose is important, the quality of the installation is paramount. Deciding on a brand and then choosing the guy with the lowest price on that brand is Russian roulette. A quality contractor will differentiate their installation and must charge a little more to do it right. Also be wary of a company that recommends a single brand. No one manufacturer has the right solution for every home and situation. Choose a company with multiple brands available.
