If you’re ready to get your cooling and heating systems repaired or replaced, you’ll want to hire an HVAC (heating, venting, and air conditioning) contractor. Because HVAC work can be expensive, it’s smart to do some research before hiring a professional.
Below you can learn the top 10 questions homeowners should ask their HVAC contractor-and the benefits of hiring a pro instead of tackling this sort of job themselves.
Are You Licensed?
In Texas, HVAC companies that install or service heating or cooling equipment must be licensed by TDLR (TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY). Most cities in Texas require residential contractors to carry general liability insurance as well.
Will You Perform a Load Calculation?
A load calculation uses the size of your home, its construction type, insulation value, climate zone, orientation (north-facing homes get less sun exposure), and equipment efficiency to determine how much heating and cooling power you’ll need in an average year and during the hottest and coldest months.
Do You Carry Workman’s Compensation Insurance?
Workman’s compensation insurance protects employees from job-related injuries or illnesses that may cause them to miss work or become disabled in the future. Since most HVAC contractors also employ technicians who perform installation and repair functions at customer sites, it’s necessary for them to carry workman’s compensation coverage.
What is Your Pricing Structure?
A flat rate generally means that you pay one price for a unit of work, while an hourly rate indicates that the billing will be based on the amount of time your project takes. For example, a flat fee for a furnace installation might cost $2,000, while an hourly rate might charge between $80 and $150 per hour, depending on the contractor’s experience levels and prices in your area.
How Long Will It Take to Get Started?
Once you hire a contractor, you don’t want to have to wait forever-or even weeks-before they get started on your heating or cooling system replacement or repair job. If there are going to be any delays in servicing you, it’s important that they’re communicated to you in a timely manner.
How Will You Keep My Home Safe During the Project?
During an HVAC installation or repair job, it’s critically important that your home is protected from damage or accidents-especially when workers are dismantling or installing equipment in your house. Ensure the contractor you hire has experience preventing accidents during projects and can show you how they will protect your home from any damage while ensuring safe working conditions for any employees.
What Type of Payment Methods Do You Accept?
You’ll want to hire a highly-rated HVAC company that accepts major credit cards and cash as payment options. If they don’t have a website where you can learn more about their business practices, you should ask them directly.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
A contractor can’t provide references for past work if they’ve been in business for only a few weeks, so you’ll want to hire an HVAC company that’s been fixing and installing AC units and furnaces for at least five years. These professionals will have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you with your air conditioning or heating problems quickly and affordably.
Which Brands Do You Carry?
Let’s face it: you’re not going to be able to repair or install your AC unit without buying parts from a local supplier-and there are dozens of reputable brands available through retailers who sell heating and cooling equipment throughout Austin, Texas. Ask your HVAC contractor which brands they buy parts for so you know what to expect when the technician gets to your home.
Do You Have Any References?
The best way to find out if a company offers exceptional service is to ask for testimonials and references from past customers who have used their services before. If they’re hesitant to provide you with references, you might want to consider hiring another professional because it’s likely that other customers weren’t satisfied with the work done by the business in question either.
When homeowners are searching for heating or cooling services in Austin, Texas, they want contractors who are knowledgeable about delivering quality customer care while getting the job done efficiently and affordably.
The Benefits of Choosing a Licensed Professional
Homeowners should seek HVAC companies that employ experienced technicians who are licensed or certified to work on furnaces, air conditioners, and other units. These professionals should carry liability insurance policies that protect customers from accidents during job site visits and provide clients with timely estimates of expenses before any work is started.
The main benefits of choosing a licensed contractor include:
– Quality service-Professionals adhere to strict standards while servicing or replacing air conditioners and furnaces in Austin, Texas.
– Affordable prices-Furnace and AC unit installation and repair services can be completed without spending a fortune on labor costs.
– Convenient working hours-HVAC technicians make house calls during the day and night depending on your schedule, not theirs.
– Customer support-Licensed HVAC contractors offer friendly support staff who are available by phone to answer questions about billing procedures, warranties, add-on services like duct cleaning, and other concerns homeowners might have about their heating or cooling systems.
Important Factors to Consider When Hiring an HVAC Technician in Austin, Texas
When homeowners are searching for a furnace or AC repair service in the Austin area, they should consider several important factors, including:
How long a contractor has been established in business
Pay methods accepted by technicians
Any workmanship warranties.
These questions will help you find an HVAC company that is reputable and can provide quality heating or cooling services without breaking your budget.
When homeowners are looking for a professional HVAC contractor in Austin, Texas, they should ask ten questions about the company’s business practices before hiring an air conditioning or furnace repair specialist. Addressing these considerations will help homeowners find companies that adhere to strict service standards and provide customers with affordable prices when installing or repairing HVAC units and furnaces. For more information on how to hire an HVAC contractor when your system isn’t working correctly, contact us here at Austin AC.