Selecting an HVAC contractor is an important decision that you shouldn’t make without doing some homework to be sure 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 present up to four options from which you can select.

When they schedule 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 ensure 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 number of areas, from load calculation to piping and quite a few steps in between. You could get the top-of-the-line system, but if it’s improperly installed you may not get top-of-the-line performance.

Here are some other questions to help you make the best selection 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 rigorous 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 give you peace of mind knowing your contractor has undergone intense professional training.

Do they have references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can chat with and verify 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 read 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 serious about their profession and will be able to provide referrals for previous work.

Another way is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are normally 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 count on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust stands by them it’s likely they’ll do good work for you too.

Are they properly licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but almost 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 receiving 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 circumvent any potential issues.

When do I bring up these questions?

The best time to ask questions and pick an HVAC contractor is right now, before something happens to your system. Get your furnace looked at while it’s operating properly and schedule your annual maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning in Wyandotte. Our HVAC experts would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 734-284-1224. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.