Your HVAC system is an investment, so when choosing a contractor, it’s important they get the job done properly by being licensed, experienced, and carrying appropriate insurance coverage.
Researching online can help you locate the ideal contractor for your project. Read customer feedback and ask friends or family for suggestions.
To find the best HVAC contractors near you, consider reaching out to Diamondback Plumbing, Phoenix’s heating company, for quality service.
1) Reputation
When selecting an HVAC contractor, they must have an excellent reputation. This can be found through word-of-mouth recommendations, online reviews or membership of local trade organizations.
A good HVAC company should also be licensed, insured, and boast an impeccable track record within their community while offering competitive rates with full transparency from estimate-to-payment journey.
Ask for contractor recommendations from friends, family and co-workers. They can share their experiences with HVAC contractors and if they are satisfied with the work performed.
A company with an outstanding reputation will gladly provide references from previous customers – this way, you can gauge the quality of work performed, pricing transparency and overall communication between yourself and a particular provider.
Do not be intimidated to shop around for the best rates when hiring an HVAC company, as different rates depend on experience levels and equipment installed. When searching for quotes, don’t settle for the lowest bidder; hiring the least costly service may end up costing more in the end.
A reputable contractor may cost more but will offer quality service that lasts over time and offer warranties as needed to give peace of mind.
2) Experience
When hiring an HVAC contractor, look for someone with an excellent track record. Read the contractor’s reviews across multiple platforms and reach out to past clients; look for common themes such as quality work and promptness that indicate they prioritize customer service. This could indicate they’re a trustworthy company.
When selecting an HVAC contractor, ask about their experience with your particular type of project. They may specialize in certain brands of equipment or have additional certifications that enable them to optimize an installation process.
Check whether a contractor belongs to professional associations such as the Better Business Bureau or Heating Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Institute. These groups typically do a good job of screening out untrustworthy contractors.
It would help if you also determined whether your potential contractor has been licensed, insured and background-checked.
3) Warranty
Many HVAC manufacturers provide warranties with their systems to give consumers peace of mind when purchasing. These warranties typically cover parts and labor; reading over each warranty’s details is essential to understand what is covered.
Warranty terms vary greatly by brand. Some warranties may exclude specific parts or only cover them for limited amounts of time – this could include items like furnace filters and capacitors that should be changed regularly during maintenance, among others.
In some instances, manufacturers also exclude natural disasters, physical damage or so-called acts of god from coverage under their warranty policies. Be certain that you understand exactly what coverage exists before hiring a contractor. Many have informational sheets to assist in making the best choice when hiring them.
Noting the manufacturers’ requirements is also key – especially as HVAC system warranties require regular maintenance to remain valid. When interviewing prospective HVAC contractors, ask about these maintenance requirements and be sure to save paperwork from every visit, as some manufacturers charge fees for processing warranty claims.
4) Pricing
The cost of a replacement HVAC system depends on the features and type you select. Heating systems relying on boilers may reach expenses of around $15,000, while air conditioning units typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 in cost.
Size matters when selecting a new unit to cool or heat your home, measured in British thermal units (BTUs). As your house becomes larger, so do its BTU requirements, consequently requiring larger air conditioners or furnaces as well. Climate may also play a part; humidity affects how much cooling capacity or heating may be needed.
Brand and quality also impact the pricing of HVAC units; for instance, more recognizable brands such as Carrier, Bryant or American Standard typically cost more than generic units. Efficiency ratings also impact pricing; higher SEER or AFUE ratings can save more money in terms of utility bills over time.
Your ductwork may need upgrading or repair, increasing installation costs. One way to reduce these expenses is with an HVAC zoning system, which divides your home into multiple zones for optimal heating and cooling, providing each area with just the right amount of heating or cooling based on specific zone needs.
