When you set out to find a new contractor for your Northern New Jersey home, you mustn’t simply open the phone book or search Google and choose the first name that sounds good. Instead, we suggest that you follow these popular tips when hiring an HVAC professional:
- Ask around — Want a quick way to find a reputable contractor? Ask your friends and family for suggestions.
- Obtain a list of references — Get a list of references from the contractor, based on the first letter of the last name of your choosing (to ensure a random sampling). Contact each one and ask about the professionalism and work quality of the contractor.
- Look for NATE certification — Don’t trust a company that doesn’t employ technicians who have completed NATE (North American Technician Excellence) testing and certification.
- Investigate online — The Internet is a great tool, so be sure to check sites like the BBB (Better Business Bureau), Google Places, and other sites to get an idea of the contractor’s work ethic and reputation.
- Check to license — Depending on the local requirements, a contractor must meet minimums regarding licensing, bonding, and insurance, all of which the company will be able to provide upon request.
- Be ready for an evaluation — A good contractor should want to inspect your home’s energy efficiency and HVAC equipment right away, to get an idea of where you stand.
- Ask about special pricing — Depending on the time of year, you can often find special pricing on certain services offered by the contractor.
- Insistence on Energy Star — Technicians should be fully aware of the benefits of installing heating and cooling equipment that has been certified by Energy Star and will suggest these for your home.
- Get it in writing — Before a project begins, you should get every detail in writing to avoid any problems that might crop up.
If you need more advice when hiring an HVAC professional, or have other home comfort issues, please contact the heating and cooling experts at Pipe Works Services We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Northern New Jersey homeowners since 2000.