June 24, 2021
A brand new HVAC furnace will generally last you anywhere between 12 -15 years, thus you should do enough research to back up what the HVAC installation and maintenance entails. Deciding on the right HVAC unit is a huge task, and so is picking the right contractor to work on your HVAC unit.
Here are a few questions you can ask your HVAC contractor to make sure your home’s heating and air conditioning needs are taken care of for the next decade and more:
- Does your contractor have official certification?
A certificate from the North American Technician Excellence program ensures that HVAC technicians have passed a hands-on examination to verify their training and expertise before they work inside your home. A NATE certificate is an industry benchmark for identifying the right technician. - Is your HVAC contractor insured?
You need to make sure whichever HVAC company you use has provided printed proof of license and insurance, to protect homeowners from the risky work involved in installing a HVAC system. Proof of insurance also adds credibility to the contractor’s credentials. - Do they have licenses?
You should make sure that your potential contractor has a license to work in your municipality. This way, you can make sure your work is done legally and professionally. - How long has your HVAC contractor been in business?
Since HVAC companies, in general, tend to have a short lifespan, this question is very important. It is important to pick established companies which are more reliable and have a strong reputation preceding them. An established company will give you a better warranty on your HVAC installation. - What are the company’s reviews?
It is important to look up customer reviews of the HVAC company on review websites like Google, Yelp, Angi (formerly Angie’s List), BBB, etc. to see what other customers are saying about them. - How to determine the right HVAC size?
Your house’s heating load is counted in British Thermal Units (BTU). The BTU of your HVAC must match the demands of the heating load for the temperature of your house to be just right. A contractor generally goes through each room calculating the heat load using a Manual J (a software calculator designed for this purpose) before determining the ideal size for your HVAC unit. - Is there a need for regular maintenance?
Small measures can be taken to make sure your furnace runs smoothly. You can seal the air leaks and periodically change the system’s air filter. You should also ask your contractor when to change it and where to purchase it.
