Choosing The Right Contractor Makes
The Most Of Your HVAC System

by Scott Kelly, 4/2010

Machinery, they say, works only as well as the man - or woman - who maintains it. This certainly holds true in the HVAC industry. Indeed, to paraphrase another cliché, behind every successful heating and cooling system is a wise technician. That’s why investing in the right contractor for installation and/ or service is so important. Even the best equipment won’t perform at peak without the skills of a qualified person. Here are a few suggestions. 

Expect expertise. Look for industry certification such as NATE (North American Technician Excellence), which requires intensive continuing education to ensure technicians are up-to-date on the latest equipment and design techniques. Ask what type of training—and how much—employees receive each year. Choose an established company with a reputation that’s stood the test of time. 

Ensure there’s insurance. Any contractor worth his or her salt carries adequate business and workers’ comp insurance. Otherwise you could be liable for any accidents on your property. 

Call references. Ask more than one previous customer detailed questions, such as: Was the contractor reliable? Was the job completed on time and within budget? What about follow-up service? And, most important, would you hire this contractor again? After checking references, also check the contractor’s rating with the Better Business Bureau. 

Think ink. Get written estimates so you can compare varying bids based on cost, equipment specs, energy efficiency, warranties, completion date, etc. Then get a signed proposal before work begins. 

Remember, the lowest bid may not be the best bid. Price is not the only priority; a more-efficient system sometimes costs more upfront but—through energy c o n s e r v a t i o n— actually saves money over time. 

Plan beyond. Ask how terms of equipment warranties will be honored. Discuss preventive maintenance plans for periodic service and make sure the contractor guarantees 24/7 accessibility in case of emergencies. 

Perk up. Look for special promotions from manufacturers and/or service providers as well as potential tax breaks on energy-saving equipment. 

Carolina Heating Service in Greenville SC specializes in indoor weather solutions including residential and commercial heating/ air conditioning systems. Contact us at 864.232.5684 or 866.488.4688

or visit our Contact page to email us or to get directions to our Greenville Sales Office