Selecting an HVAC contractor is an important decision that you shouldn’t make without doing some homework to make certain you’re making the right choice.

First, choose a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and then listen to you. With that noted, they should be able to present up to four options from which you can select.

When they schedule your installation, is it when you want to have it done, or when they can squeeze you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will make certain that it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not a DIY job and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in many areas, from load calculation to piping and quite a few steps in between. You could get the highest rated system, but if it’s improperly installed you may not get the best performance.

Here are a couple other questions to help you make the best selection while finding your HVAC contractor.

Are they NATE-certified?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have verified their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and thorough tests developed by a committee of industry professionals. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will provide you peace of mind knowing your contractor has undergone in-depth professional training.

Have you seen references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company ought to be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can talk to and tell you about the quality of their company’s work. Chat with their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend them to you.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to check out the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll view any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a nonprofit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be committed to their profession and will be able to offer referrals for previous work.

Another option is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are usually the most beneficial recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to check out and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors rely on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust backs them it’s likely they’ll do good work for you too.

Do you know if they’re licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but nearly all of them do. It’s easy to search online to see if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when gathering quotes from a contractor. The reason most states require licenses is simply to keep you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.

If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably best to look elsewhere to help avoid any potential problems.

When should you ask about these questions?

The best time to ask questions and find an HVAC contractor is right now, before something happens to your system. Get your furnace checked out while it’s running properly and arrange your yearly maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning in Bishop. Our HVAC professionals would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 760-784-9034. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.