HVAC is one of the most important inventions of modern times. You need your HVAC system to maintain indoor air quality and the ideal home temperature for both comfort and efficiency during summer and winter.
Whether you are planning to buy a new HVAC system in Walnut Creek or want to maintain an existing one, you need an HVAC professional with an in-depth understanding of different types of HVAC systems.
A reputable professional will help you make informed decisions. An experienced and reputable contractor will leverage their supplier network to secure the best possible deal. Reputable contractors provide workmanship and other warranties.
One of the most important factors affecting an HVAC installation, repair, or maintenance project’s success is the choice of contractor. Before selecting a contractor, you need to make sure that the professional is knowledgeable and worthy of your trust.
Once you have a list of your preferred contractors, schedule an appointment to meet them at their office. Before you meet an HVAC contractor, prepare a list of questions that includes questions related to professionalism, experience, and working style.
Here are some important questions to include in your questionnaire.
Can You Provide Some References?
A reputable contractor will be happy to provide you references. Talk to references provided by the contractor. Ask them about their experience of working with the professional and whether the project was completed ontime and on budget.
Ask them to rate the contractor and how likely they are to recommend the professional to a friend, family member, or hire them in the future.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
Make sure your preferred contractor has a valid license. To earn a license, a contractor must fulfill several educational and certification requirements. Check whether the contractor has insurance.
If you choose an uninsured contractor for your project, you can be held liable for property damage or bodily injuries caused due to an accident that occurs while the contractor’s team is working on your site. Make sure the policy includes workmen’s compensation and liability insurance.
If required, ask the contractor to provide details of their liability insurance. Call the insurance company to confirm the validity of the coverage and ensure the insurer is state-authorized to provide liability insurance.
What Is and What Is Not Included in the Project Estimate?
Many contractors do not provide comprehensive price quotes. Their quotations may exclude important cost elements.
If you are planning to have a new HVAC installed, one of the most important questions to ask an HVAC contractor is whether the quote includes the cost of replacing all old components such as pipes, fittings, dampers, connectors, valves, and updating safety switches that connect to the equipment to match the specification of the new system.
The contractor must provide a detailed list of work that needs to be done such as obtaining necessary permits from the city, removing the old equipment from your property, and updating all components. The professional must also provide guarantee and warranty information.
What Does the Guarantee Cover?
Not all HVAC warranties are created equal. Look for a contractor who provides comprehensive warranties. Reputable HVAC contractors provide a 12-month installation warranty for parts that fail due to installation errors.
Ask your HVAC contractor whether they offer labor warranty. Steer clear of contractors who provide vague warranties.
How Long Have You Been Working in the HVAC Industry?
Ask your contractor how long they have been in business. Though extensive experience is no ironclad guarantee of quality, if the contractor has been around for years there is a high likelihood that they know what they are doing and deliver quality results.
Ask them whether they have handled projects similar to yours and have experience with your brand. Enquire whether their technicians hold certifications.
Will You Perform an Energy Analysis?
If your old HVAC fails to heat or cool efficiently, there is a possibility that it is too small or big for your home. Alternatively, your needs may have changed because you had other modifications done to your house. In such cases, replacing the HVAC system alone is not enough and you must first have an energy analysis performed.
An energy analysis is done to identify the most cost-effective HVAC solution for the home. When conducting an energy analysis, the contractor considers all factors at play including the size of the home, local weather conditions, and insulation.
Will You Inspect the Ductwork?
This is one of the most important questions to ask an HVAC contractor before hiring them for a new HVAC installation in Walnut Creek. If your ducts are leaky or in poor shape, even an efficient HVAC system will fail to cool and heat properly.
Ducts that travel through unconditioned rooms such as the basement or garage should be insulated as poor insulation can reduce your HVAC’s efficiency. We recommend that you have your ductwork inspected before the HVAC installation. Make sure leaks are fixed.
Do You Hold Any Certifications?
Contractors who handle refrigerants must have a valid EPA certificate. Look for a NATE-certified contractor as only contractors with a high level of expertise and competence are awarded this certification.
How Much of a Down Payment Do You Require?
It’s not uncommon for HVAC contractors to ask for a down payment for major jobs such as duct repair, installation, or furnace installation. However, the down payment should not exceed 10 to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. If a contractor asks for a higher down payment (say 50 percent or more), walk away.
Connolly Heating and Air Conditioning is proud to be the preferred HVAC contractor of several families in Walnut Creek. No matter how serious your cooling/heating problem, we will come up with a cost-effective and sustainable solution. To discuss your heating/cooling nightmare with one of our professionals, call (925) 288-1408.
