If you’re going to install a new heating and cooling system, you want the job done right. You want the right HVAC contractor in Walnut Creek who can handle your system’s all needs. That’s why it pays to ask plenty of questions before you hire an HVAC contractor. While you may have questions about the installation of your new equipment, here are some other questions to ask your potential contractors to ensure that you’re hiring the best one for the job:
1. How many years have you been in business?
When looking for an HVAC company with a reputation for excellence, you’ll want to ensure that they’ve been around long enough to know what they’re doing. The longer an HVAC company has been in business, the more likely it is that it’s established a good reputation and that employees have gained experience solving every sort of HVAC problem.
A long-established HVAC company should be able to show you proof of insurance, previous clients, and certifications, among other things. Make sure to ask them who their references were and how satisfied those customers were with their work.
2. Do you have your license?
Ensure that the contractors who come out to your home are insured and certified by a reputable organization like NATE or HVAC Excellence. It could mean trouble down the road and even more expenses if they’re not. Also, also them what kind of training they have got. You’ll want them to receive ongoing training and education so that they can continue to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and information. Most HVAC contractors in Walnut Creek will be insured and licensed, but it’s a good idea to ask to be sure.
3. What kind of warranties do you offer?
Ask about any warranties that are offered against malfunctions or failures for various parts of your new system. While these aren’t guarantees against future issues, some contractors offer at least one year of labor warranty coverage, which means that if something goes wrong with your system during this time, they will fix it for free or at a discounted rate. When shopping for your HVAC contractor, you should ask them the below questions:
- What’s your experience with my type of system?
- What is the warranty on parts and labor?
- How do you handle emergency service, 24-hour service, weekend service?
- How soon can you typically perform the work?
4. Can I ask for references from other customers?
Most people overlook the importance of asking for references from their potential HVAC contractor’s previous customers. A good HVAC contractor in Walnut Creek should be ready with at least one reference from a previous client in your area. Call those recommendations and ask them about their experiences working with the company, especially if they had any problems or issues afterward.
5. What HVAC brands do they recommend and carry?
Don’t assume that all HVAC contractors are the same. Before spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on new HVAC equipment, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best product for your money. The best way to ensure that is to ask the contractor about the different brands they carries and why they recommend one over another.
An experienced and skilled HVAC contractor should be familiar with a wide range of HVAC systems. If they only install certain brands, they may not be able to fix a problem if your system ever needs service. Therefore, when looking for a new HVAC system, choose a company that carries multiple brands. That way, it will be more likely to get the best HVAC repair services if your system breaks down at some point in the future.
6. Do you provide a warranty or guarantees?
Finding and hiring an HVAC company to work on your home can be a complex process. There are so many different contractors, each with its own business methods. That makes it utterly hard to determine which contractors will provide you with the best service and quality of work.
If you have installed a new heating and cooling unit in your home, the contractor will provide you with a warranty from the date of purchase or installation. That means your HVAC contractor will repair any defects in their craftsmanship or materials within a certain period. Also, find out whether any parts can be replaced under warranty, at no extra cost. If not, how much will it cost?
Most HVAC contractors in Walnut Creek offer guarantees with their work that range from one year to five years. If they don’t offer any guarantee, be wary of hiring them.
7. How much maintenance does my system require?
You will want to determine what type of maintenance will be required for your new HVAC unit. Some systems require more maintenance than others, so you might have to factor this into your budget as well as the cost of repair or replacement.
8. What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary from contractor to contractor, but most charge a small cancellation fee. That’s why it is wise to verify with your potential HVAC contractor whether they have a cancellation policy. You may also want to ask them how many days notice you are required to give them if you want to cancel the service arrangement. Additionally, ask them if their HVAC technician cannot make it on the scheduled day and needs to reschedule, whether there are additional charges or fees for rescheduling.
Choosing the right HVAC contractor in Walnut Creek for your home remodel is a big and time-consuming decision. The HVAC contractor you opt for will be responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining the heating and air conditioning system in your home. That’s why it’s only practical to find a contractor who has the experience, skills, and proper tools to install and maintain your HVAC system correctly.
With Connolly Heating and Air Conditioning, you can rest assured that your new HVAC system will provide you with years of comfort, energy efficiency, and reliability. To schedule a service, call us at (925) 288-1408.
