How to Hire a Reputable and Experienced HVAC Contractor

When you hire an HVAC professional to repair or replace your home’s heating or cooling equipment, you’re putting your family’s comfort and safety on the line. This makes it essential to thoroughly vet the HVAC contractors you’re considering hiring. Here are some tips to help you choose a skilled, reputable and experienced contractor:

Create a Short List of Names

Ask co-workers, neighbors, friends and family members for the names of HVAC contractors they’d recommend. You can also check online and with local associations for names of trustworthy contractors. Then, research each contractor’s reputation for performing quality work and resolving complaints by searching online and checking with the state licensing agency, your municipal permitting office and the Better Business Bureau.

Ask About Licensing, Insurance and Certification

Make sure each contractor you’re considering holds a valid license with the Arkansas Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Board. Inquire whether each of the HVAC contractors has Workers’ Compensation and liability insurance coverage.

Check References

Reliable HVAC contractors should willingly give you several names and phone numbers of previous customers to contact. Call each reference provided and ask about the scope of the work they had performed, whether it was completed satisfactorily and if they’d hire the contractor again.

Insist on an On-Site Inspection

Rather than giving you a quote over the phone, HVAC contractors should be willing to drop by your home. Assessing your home and current system is especially important to properly size new equipment if you’re replacing the A/C or furnace or considering upgrading to geothermal.

Get a Written Quote and Contract

Request a detailed written estimate from the top three HVAC contractors on your list. Once you’ve chosen a contractor, insist on a signed contract that shows the scope of the work, lists any equipment to be installed, and details the payment schedule, expected completion date and any warranties on workmanship.

Contact us today at Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric for more advice about choosing an HVAC contractor. We’ve provided top-notch HVAC service, repairs and equipment installations in Northwest Arkansas for over 45 years.

Our goal is to help homeowners learn more about HVAC-related energy and home comfort issues.