Your heating and cooling units are a complex system that needs regular maintenance and upkeep. Therefore, it is essential that you find a knowledgeable, well-trained HVAC company you can trust to complete any necessary work.
Choosing the right HVAC company to maintain your system is just as important as choosing the correct system for your home. Consider the following steps and questions to ask when choosing the right fit for your HVAC system needs.
If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about how our St. Louis heating & air conditioning experts can help you with installation or replacement of your system call us at 314-993-1110 or use our contact form today.
HVAC Company Requirements You Should Look for
HVAC contractors are required to have 2-5 years of on-the-job or training experience by states that license HVAC companies. This experience is necessary because the HVAC contractor will need to understand how the systems work-from electrical wiring, to combustion, and to airflow through the ducts.
This knowledge allows the contractors to safely perform maintenance on the systems and avoid hazards such as carbon monoxide poisoning, which can happen if an HVAC system is broken or installed incorrectly.
HVAC Company Licenses
Many state governments have websites to look up the status of an HVAC company’s license. Work done by these companies can also include installing or repairing plumbing for oil or natural gas lines to the heating system, so contractors may be required to have a plumber’s license or have a partnership with a licensed plumber. When calling around to ask for estimates in St. Louis, make sure to ask for what types of licenses the HVAC company has.
Questions to ask HVAC Companies
Before rushing to find a repair technician if your HVAC system stops working unexpectedly, it will benefit you to take a few minutes to create a list of important questions. You will want to find the right person for the job, especially if it is a major repair or expensive upgrade so spend time researching and interviewing companies before choosing one. Here are some important things you should look for in each HVAC company:
- Licenses and Insurance: As stated above, most states and municipalities require that HVAC companies have licenses demonstrating their knowledge and ability to work in the industry. For them to continue to be licensed, they must have a minimum amount of insurance and bonding. Ensure that the HVAC companies you interview have liability insurance in case of accidental injury or damage.
- References: A reputable HVAC company will provide a list of customers for you to reach out to and verify the company did work in a timely fashion and that the customer’s needs were met or exceeded.
- Written Estimates: Since repair, replacement, and installation costs are so high, it’s recommended to get written estimates from at least 3 different HVAC companies. Your foremost concern is likely to be the cost, but you should also use the estimates to document project scope, details, and completion dates.
- Available Brands: Make sure you ask the HVAC company what manufacturers or equipment brands they have available. Most companies typically carry a limited selection, so make sure they carry the brand you are interested in installing.
- Experience with your HVAC System: Ask the HVAC company if they have experience with your current system, be it cutting-edge geothermal technology or an old operating system, to ensure they will know the ins and outs of your HVAC unit.
- Rebates and Tax Credit Availability: Depending on what services you are receiving, you may qualify for rebates or federal or state tax credits. Ask the contractor what available incentives you can get and make sure the project is documented appropriately for meeting federal, state, and local incentive requirements.
- Payment Schedule: Sometimes, the job can be costly, like when new equipment needs to be installed. Know what financing and payment plans are available, and if you will be required to make a deposit. If the HVAC contact has a payment or financing plan, make sure you read the fine print and know what your financial responsibility is.
- Service Contracts: You can get additional peace of mind by adding a service contract. Know what you are paying for if you decide to add on a contract. Many good service contracts will extend the lifespan and improve efficiency of your HVAC system.
Contact Your Local St. Louis HVAC Company Today!
If you are looking for a reliable HVAC company in the greater St. Louis area, give us a call at 314-993-1110 or use our convenient online form to speak to a heating & air conditioning expert. Let us help you have the best, fastest, and most cost-efficient HVAC installation or repair.
