The HVAC technician you decide to hire is just as important as the service or system you’re paying for.
But how do you really know if an HVAC tech is good or not? Great question!
We’ve compiled 4 tips that will help you determine exactly how to find a qualified HVAC tech to get the job done well.
When looking at contractors, you should…
- Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured
- Ask for a written estimate
- Confirm they are a reputable company
- Verify that they are available & reliable
We’ll explain in more detail below.
1. Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured
Ensuring that a contractor is licensed and insured is very important. Why?
- Safety: Most contractors are working with potentially dangerous materials and tools. You want assurance that someone is experienced and licensed so that your home, pets and family aren’t in danger.
- Warranty: Most HVAC warranties require that your system is installed by a professional who is licensed. If you go with a contractor who is not licensed, your warranty could be voided by the manufacturer.
- Liability: If something goes awry or someone gets injured, you don’t want to be held financially responsible. Having a contractor that is insured will help mitigate this financial responsibility.
To determine if a contractor is licensed or insured, ask the contractor or company who employs the contractor to show proof of insurance.
2. Ask for a written estimate
When it comes to HVAC fixes and installations, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to pricing. Many factors that go into how easily and inexpensively a fix can be made. For this reason, you should be wary of companies that will give you a price over the phone before assessing your specific situation.
Once a tech has evaluated your home, you should ask for a written estimate. This helps to ensure that there are no discrepancies later on. If a contractor refuses to provide a written estimate, this should be a red flag to you.
A written estimate should include:
- Estimated completion date
- Payment date
- Overall cost of service/materials needed
- Company or contractor information (including license and insurance number)
3. Hire a reputable company
In today’s world, it’s fairly easy to verify how consumers really feel about a company’s or contractor’s services. To make sure you’re hiring a reputable company, do your due diligence by reading customer reviews on sites like:
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau
- Company website
If a company has a slew of bad reviews or complaints, it’s probably best to stay away.
If you don’t feel comfortable basing your decision off of the company’s online reputation, you can always ask the company or contractor for references from customers who have recently employed their service.
4. Verify that they are available & reliable
Finding a company that is available (24/7) plays a huge part in the quality of service you’ll get. An HVAC contractor worth employing should be quick to respond, quick to provide service and sure to show up when they say they will.
To determine whether a company is as available and reliable as they say they are, you should:
1. Check out their site. If they list 24/7 service/availability, they will most likely respond to your request quickly.
2. Check their reviews. Are customers raving about how quickly their issue was fixed or complaining about the company’s lack of response?
Looking for a great HVAC tech in Pittsburgh?
At Calfo, we have:
- 10,000 hours of on-the-job training per tech
- 24/7 availability and same day service
- Experienced techs who are all licensed and insured
- Great reviews
If you’re looking for an HVAC tech that checks all of the boxes and will provide you with great service, we’re the team for you.
