When your furnace goes out or your air conditioning unit seems to be having some issues, you are going to need to turn to a HVAC contractor to fix it because it is unlikely that you will have the experience or knowledge that the issues require. When this happens it can be difficult to know which contractor to call. 

There are all sorts of contractors and you may question what makes each one unique. Based on their target market, each HVAC contractor will have different products and services available. But which one should you choose? With the following tips, this article will help you in choosing the best HVAC contractor for your home’s needs and help you recognize what quality HVAC service should look like.

1) Make A Choice Based On Your Needs

In the heating and cooling industry, there are three tiers of companies. Each tier has its separate pros and cons. When choosing an HVAC contractor, it is important to weigh what your needs are and match your needs with the right tier. Make sure to do your research about different companies, their services, and the products that they install.

Expensive With Basic Equipment

The first tier is the most expensive of the three. Companies from this tier will put high pressure on you to buy their priciest equipment or services claiming that it is higher quality. However, oftentimes their equipment is basic and the services they offer are unnecessary or could be done for a lower price. Yet this might be a good option if you have the means and want high-end equipment.  

Cheap and Unreliable

The second tier is the least expensive option. Their services may be lower priced, but the cheaper price comes at a cost of reliability. When a company offers extremely low prices, it often means that they do not do everything they can to make sure you have a quality product. It may also be problematic because cheaper companies may not be able to be there when you need them. In the heating and cooling world, it is important to choose a quality company because your unit could go out or need service at any time.

Middle of the Road

The last tier is middle range according to costliness. This kind of company will specialize in educating you on your options and making sure to give you the opportunity to decide what you want. A mid-range company will help you decide which equipment is best for your home, and will be a great alternative to more expensive options.

2) Your HVAC Contractor Should Be Doing Checks With Each Service

Whether or not you have a large issue with your heating and cooling systems, your HVAC contractor should be doing several basic checks with each visit. They should be doing a heat load calculation, looking at vents and air ducts, and doing a short walk around the home. A heat load calculation takes measurements of the square footage of your home, the average ceiling height of the home, and the temperature of the outdoors to determine how much heat will be needed to keep the temperature within the home at the level that is desirable to the inhabitants.

Because the duct system is the heart of your home, it is important that the contractor verifies that the air ducts are functioning properly. You can put in high quality equipment but without a good air duct system, you will have poor air quality and possible damage to your air conditioner or furnace.

3) Your Chosen Contractor Should Educate You

One of the biggest indicators that will be telling as to whether you are dealing with a good contractor is if they educate you on what they are doing. A good comfort consultant should explain what specifically is wrong with your air conditioning unit or furnace and define the words they are using if you are unfamiliar with them. They should also educate you on proper care for your equipment and tell you how the equipment should function normally. 

A good contractor will also educate you on your options for equipment and help you make a decision based on your needs. When installing a new furnace or air conditioner, note that it is important to ask your contractor whether your unit is a reliable basic system meant for live-in occupants or a simple basic system so you can renovate or flip your home. An experienced comfort technician should readily answer these questions and any other questions that you may have. 

Still Have Questions About Choosing the Best HVAC Contractor?

Here at Genuine Comfort in Centerville, UT we want to educate you on all your HVAC options and help you find a contractor that will suit your needs. We are a mid-range company and would be happy to give you a bid. Contact us today with all your questions regarding heating and cooling!