Finding A Reputable HVAC Contractor

We’re aware that as a HVAC contractor ourselves, writing about how to choose the right contractor can seem a little self-serving.  Especially if we point out the foibles of others, and emphasize all the good things we do. As an established local HVAC contractor we feel obligated to point out what a “reputable” business should offer.  We have seen firsthand how homeowners have been taken advantage of by unscrupulous businesses.

So here are our recommendations on what you should look and ask for when buying a new furnace, air conditioner or heat pump.

To get an accurate assessment you’ll need a thorough inspection of your HVAC system.

Choose a HVAC contractor who is willing to inspect the system in your home before providing estimates or making an appointment for repair.
It is difficult to provide an accurate assessment without a thorough inspection of your current system.

HVAC contractors should look for air leaks, measure air flow, and inspect your insulation to make sure all components meet HVAC guidelines and the manufacturer’s specifications.  Be wary of an HVAC contractor that gives you a bid or an estimate over the phone.

Ask for references from former clients that will give you feedback on their past performance.
Be aware that references supplied by a contractor are going to be ones that have had good experiences.  That’s O.K.  You can still learn a lot about the type of work they did, how the contractor worked with the client, and if there were problems, how were they resolved.

Other sources of reviews are on Google and Yelp.  These for the most part are unfiltered so you will see both positive and negative reviews. Also don’t base your opinion solely on how nice of a website a company has.  Look deeper in order to feel confident in your ultimate decision.

Verify through the different sources whether the HVAC contractor has a good rating and a low volume of customer complaints.
Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to research HVAC contractors and their business. They are very helpful if you want to double check the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor. The website shows whether there have been any customer complaints against the specified company.

Getting multiple bids and doing your homework will lead to a decision you are comfortable with.

Ask your friends, family, or neighbors for HVAC contractor referrals.
Your best feedback will come from those you know and trust.  Speak with your family and friends about their experiences.

Obtain bids from at least 3 different HVAC contractors.  This allows you to compare the product they plan to install, pricing and warranties, and installation timetables.
As you assess these bids, it is also important to determine if the contractor is licensed, bonded and has workers’ comp insurance for their employees.  Without these both you and the contractor could be held liable if someone was hurt on the job or the job was not done to local codes.

Finally, going with the lowest bid is not always the best choice.  When evaluating your options, be sure to take into account future needs as well as your immediate ones.  Getting a more efficient HVAC unit may cost a little more, but over time the energy savings may offset the price differential.

Making That Final Decision
By doing a thorough job of vetting the HVAC contractor who will be installing your new HVAC system, you’ll have all the information you need to make the right decision.