7 Qualities to Look For in Your HVAC Contractor

The heating and cooling system is a major investment and part of any home. You need to hire a reliable and focused Bay Area HVAC contractor for repairs, maintenance, and installation. This is an important step in preserving the investment. There are many companies to choose from when you are looking for an HVAC contractor. These are a few qualities that you should look for:

1. Experience

Expertise and experience are as crucial as price when it comes to finding a contractor for servicing your HVAC system. You should ask the technician about the number of years of experience they have. You should also check how long the company has been in business. Experience ensures the company has set ways of keeping up with the changes in products and technology.

2. Good Reputation

It is important to find an HVAC contractor with good reputation. You should check a variety of sources, including online reviews, references from contractors, and third-party reviews. There are a lot of sites, such as The Better Business Bureau where you can get information about the company. It is best to get referrals from friends and family about contractors that they would want to hire again. Make sure the scope of the work they do matches your job.

3. Certified and Licensed

Reputable and experienced contractors will not hesitate to show their licensing paperwork. In fact, they will be proactive about it. You should also ask for proof of insurance and bonding. Make sure to check and verify the obtained information. You should choose a contractor that requires all its technicians to have NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification. This will show that the technicians are knowledgeable, efficient, and professional.

4. Accredited Contractors

The bare minimum is for the HVAC contractor to meet the industry’s codes and standards. Accreditation is the best way of guaranteeing top market competence. Don’t respect accreditation that is not from esteemed institutions. The institute should use an open process built on sound science.

5. Provide a Free In-home Estimate

If you are looking for an HVAC contractor for replacing your existing equipment, you should ensure they offer a free in-house estimate. The technician should be willing to inspect your home for determining the correct size. They should recommend the right equipment based on your needs and budget. An incorrectly sized equipment will not run as efficiently or long. Companies that offer an estimate without first evaluating your home will not be able to provide a proper estimate.

6. Versatile Services on Offer

HVAC systems are versatile in nature. The technician you choose should have adequate knowledge about working and fixing all the components. Quality contractors will ensure that your system is energy efficient even after performing repairs. In addition, you won't have to hire any other technician to take care of complicated jobs, like fixing refrigerant leaks.

7. Fair Pricing

This is probably the most important quality in an HVAC contractor. They should offer honest, fair, and transparent pricing. However, costing should never be a priority over other aspects. It should be considered in combination with other qualities. You should know that the best contractor may not always be the cheapest. Also, the cheapest contractor may not always be the best.