Picking an HVAC contractor is an important decision that shouldn’t be made without doing some research to make sure you’re making the best choice.

First, find a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and more important, listen to you. With that tidbit, they should be able to offer up to four options from which you can select.

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

HVAC system installation is not something you can do yourself and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in a variety of areas, from load calculation to piping and quite a few steps in between. You could get the top-of-the-line system, but if it’s improperly installed you may not get the best performance.

Here are some other questions to help you make the best decision while searching for your HVAC contractor.

Do they have NATE-Certification?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have proven their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and thorough tests developed by a committee of industry authorities. 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.

Do you have access to references or referrals?

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

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 dedicated to their profession and will be able to provide referrals for previous work.

Another option is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are typically 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 stands by them it’s likely they’ll do reliable work for you too.

Have you verified they’re licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but almost 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 getting quotes from a contractor. The reason most states require licenses is simply to protect 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 in your interest to look elsewhere to help circumvent any potential concerns.

When do I bring up 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 operating normally and set up your annual maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning in Heflin. Our HVAC professionals would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 256-270-1196. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.