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

First, select a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and actually 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 wish to have it done, or when they can squeeze you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will make sure that 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 number of areas, from load calculation to piping and a lot of steps in between. You could get the top-of-the-line system, but if it’s installed incorrectly you may not get top-of-the-line performance.

Here are a couple other questions to help you make the best decision while researching 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 verified their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and thorough tests created by a committee of industry professionals. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will offer you peace of mind knowing your contractor has finished intense professional training.

Do you have access to references or referrals?

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

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to look at the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll be shown 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 give referrals for previous work.

Another option is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are normally the most valuable 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 count on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust backs 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 many states require licenses is simply to guard 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 concerns.

When should you ask about these questions?

The best time to ask questions and choose an HVAC contractor is right now, before something happens to your system. Get your furnace looked at while it’s operating as usual and schedule your routine maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Contra Costa Heating & AC in The Bay Area. Our HVAC pros would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 510-343-9841. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.