Choosing The Best HVAC Contractor For Your Needs
Not all Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractors are the same. If you spend a little time and energy up front to research your contractor choices, you will save yourself a lot of frustration in the end. Let’s take a look at things you should take into consideration when choosing an HVAC contractor.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to see consumer ratings and any complaints that may have been filed against the company. Confirm that the contractor and any subcontractors used are licensed, bonded, and insured.
The company should be able to provide you with referrals from current or previous customers so you can gain an understanding of the quality of service you will receive. We recommend you ask for at least three references and then be sure to call them.
The contractor should be willing to clearly communicate all costs, including a breakdown of materials and labor, as well as a schedule for the project or service completion.
HVAC consulting is not something that can be accomplished over the phone. The HVAC professional you speak with should be willing to and, actually, insistent on visiting your home to inspect your current system before discussing potential work or costs.
A written estimate should always be provided. This gives both parties something to refer back to during the service relationship. Don’t be afraid to enlist multiple HVAC contractors in the bidding process if you are uncomfortable with the first estimate you receive. We actually recommend you obtain two to three estimates before choosing your HVAC contractor.
Ask how long the company has been doing business in the area but remember that while experience is important, it isn’t everything. There is a difference between someone who has been doing HVAC work for twenty years, THE SAME WAY for twenty years, and a company that has stayed on top of cutting-edge technologies.
The company’s presentation of itself should reassure you. They should drive professionally marked vehicles, employ neat, clean service people, and offer a professionally created website, literature, etc.
Gain an understanding of which equipment brands the company carries. While HVAC companies will work with you regardless of the brand of your existing system, most offer two or three specific brands in regard to sales and installation. Manufacturers of higher-quality equipment brands are selective about the contractors they allow to sell and install their equipment so the brands the company represents will provide some information as to the quality of service you can expect.
At the end of the day, you want a contractor who will do the job properly and with whom you can establish a trusted working relationship for all of your HVAC needs.
GV’S Heating and Cooling has been serving customers in the Chicagoland area for almost thirty years, offering installation, maintenance, and service of air conditioning, heating, hot water, snow melt, and clean air systems. GV’S Heating and Cooling is a Trane-certified partner and has been chosen by Mitsubishi as a leading supplier and installation company of Mitsubishi’s split system.
Rated an “A+” organization through the Better Business Bureau, GV’S Heating and Cooling is proud of its history of quick estimates, competitive pricing, attention to detail, and prompt availability. GV’S Heating and Cooling offer annual maintenance service to help you be proactive in finding problems early and with emergency service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, GV’S Heating and Cooling is always available to help you keep your system running. For questions about your HVAC system, to schedule maintenance, or discuss the installation of a new system, contact the experts at GV’S Heating and Cooling.
