HVAC contractors, like other businesses, can come and go. In fact, only about a third of new businesses last more than five years. Your heating and cooling equipment is the largest (and most expensive) appliance purchase for your home. When investing in such a major purchase, you need up-front information about a contractor to protect you, your purchase and your future home comfort.
Good, pointed questions will give you information you can use to hire a reputable technician, make your home comfortable and reduce your future liability. Here are a few questions to ask:
- How long have you been in business under your current company name? High-risk businesses sometimes fail and then reopen under a new name. Consequently, they are no longer liable for business conducted under a previous name.
- What associations do you belong to? The Better Business Bureau, North American Technician Excellence, or NATE, and other professional organizations won't associate with or certify HVAC contractors if they have poor customer relations or lack expertise.
- Do you employ your own technicians and are they trusted and certified? Some HVAC contractors employ sub-contractors to do their work. Trust only certified technicians who work directly for the company.
- Are you licensed and insured? If so, both parties will be protected from liabilities of injury and damage.
- Can you supply references? Previous customers are one of the best methods for determining satisfactory service.
- Do you offer warranties or guarantees, and can you get them in writing? These provide insurance that protects you from shoddy work or failing equipment.
- Do you size the equipment to determine a proper "fit" for your home? Always ask for the sizing or load calculation in writing before committing to any work.
- Do you offer up-front price quotes? Cost-plus quotes leave you vulnerable to excessive costs. Get a concrete quote before any work begins.
- Will you give me a contract with specific information? You need to know what equipment is to be installed and what work will be performed.
At Rodenhiser, we welcome your questions. In fact, we want you to know all aspects of how we do business. Call us with any of your home comfort concerns.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about choosing an HVAC contractor and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning serves the Route 495/128 area of Medway MA. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!
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