How to Choose a Heating Contractor
Establishing a Relationship with HVAC Professional is Important
Nov 3, 2009
Hiring the right person for the job is as important as any equipment that you purchase. It wasn’t so long ago that a consumer could call a contractor, replace an entire home heating and air conditioning system and forget about it for the next 20 years except for periodic cleanings and maintenance checks.
Those days are long gone. Today’s residential heating and air conditioning units have so many different operating parts that there is more of a chance for something to break down. Sure they are more energy efficient, but the tradeoff comes in the consumer having to be more knowledgeable about what systems will fit inside a home as well as more vigilant in maintenance to ensure that everything is working properly.
Get Multiple Estimates
A good rule of thumb is to interview and obtain estimates from three or four contractors. Ask about the list of services each offers. Many contractors offer heating installation, as well as air conditioning nd ventilation services. Most also offer repair and maintenance services.
When interviewing prospective contractors, ask for the following information:
- Are the installers and technicians certified by any professional organizations?
- Does the contgractor have state and local licenses as well as liability insurance
- How long has the company been in business?
Don't Settle for a Quote Via PhoneBe wary of the contractor who claims he can give you a quote without looking at your home. There are so many hidden issues in each home that it is not feasible for an installer to say that he can bring in a universal furnace and make it work. A reputable contractor will make a thorough on-site analysis of your home's current heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system, cinluding placement of the mechanical units as well as the home's square footage and architectural features. Because of the nuances of each installation, consumers should not be firecely loyal to any particular manufacturer.
Tell the contractor about any past problems such as rooms that get too little or too much heat, cold lower levels and overheated upstairs. Some problems may be resolved with vent adjustments while others may require more extensive work.
Once a contractor has assessed your home he should be able to give you a heat loss analysis that will detail the size furnace you need. You should also get an estimate of annual energy costs for operating that system,
It's also helpful if you have an independent LODE calculation performed before you begin to talk to contractors. This takes about 30 minutes to an hour to perform and measures factors such as temperature and airflow. These inspections take into account how the building envelop is performing as a whole unit. All renovations since the current systems were installed need to be noted, including installation of new windows, which is wonderful for energy efficiency, but negatively affects ventilation and indoor air quality.
What Your Contract Should IncludeOnce you have decided on a contractor with whom you feel comfortable, your contract should include the following points:
- Information about the equipment to be installed any additional upgrades that may be necessary.
- Cost of the parts and equipment as well as labor fees.
- Indication of whether old equipment will be hauled away and if there will be an extra charge for such work.
- Installation date and manufacturer, as well as any additional warranties that may be provided by the contractor
In addition, also ask your contractor about follow-up maintenance and hours for repairs an emergency service. You should also be able to get some of this information in writing. By obtaining all of this information in writing, you have set the groundwork for a long and friendly relationship with a heating, air conditioning, and ventilation contractor.
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