An HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is a home-based climate control appliance. This machine filters air to be circulated throughout an area at a desired temperature. To keep your system long-lasting and working to its full capacity, it’s important to find an HVAC contractor you can trust. The following tips will streamline this process with a few simple suggestions.
To start your search for a contractor, get referrals from co-workers, family, and friends. These referrals should come with details allowing you to assess the quality of workmanship and customer service each person received. Ask some open-ended questions so you won’t simply get “yes” and “no” responses. Also, you can garner referrals from building contractors or real estate agents. These professionals work in related industries and are sometimes privy to inside information other people don’t hear. Choose one tentative contractor to further investigate.
Verify that your candidate meets the legal requirements to conduct business. Every state sets its own stipulations for contractors. Some states participate in a statewide licensing program. Acquiring and maintaining a license may include testing, regular inspections of work, and adhering to strict professional principles to uphold the industry the contractors work in. Some licensing programs offer arbitration services and continuing education classes.
Even if a state has a licensing program, it may not require a contractor to have one. For instance, the state of Illinois does not have a statewide HVAC licensing program. However, individual areas have their own regulations. If you are in Illinois, contact a representative with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation to request contact information for your local license board.
It’s very important to only work with an HVAC contractor who has proper insurance coverage, regardless of state regulations. This professional should carry a minimum level of coverage such as general liability and workers’ compensation to satisfy state laws. Ask your tentative contractor for the name of his insurance agent/broker to request a certificate of insurance. This document is not the insurance policy itself, but the information contained in an active insurance policy. Pay close attention to the policy effective date and the policy expiration date. No work should be done on your home unless it falls on or between these two dates.
The above-mentioned tips can help you find a reliable contractor like the ones at Service 1 Heating & AC Inc. This company can handle residential and commercial air conditioning services.
