What to Look For in a Heating and Cooling Services Provider

As necessary as they are, HVAC installations don’t come cheap. On average, a brand-new heating and cooling system (with ductwork) can cost anywhere between $4,200 and $9,350. Given the hefty price tags, you’ll want to take good care of your system. 

However, most HVAC systems are prone to occasional hiccups. There may be nights when you wake up shivering because your new furnace has tapped out. Likewise, your air conditioner may act up without warning. Unless you have a dedicated HVAC repairperson on call, there’s no way you can get the problem resolved quickly and effectively. 

Emergencies aside, you also need a qualified HVAC expert to clean, inspect, and maintain your heating and coolingsystems for maximum efficiency.  

A reputable HVAC contractor is a must-have for every homeowner. But since there’s an overwhelming number of technicians out there, deciding on one can become quite the task.  

To make things simpler, let’s look at five criteria you should consider when choosing a heating and cooling servicescompany for the first time. 

1. Experience and Knowledge 

There are reasons why you shouldn’t trust a rookie to dismantle your new furnace. Not only are HVAC systems expensive, but they’re also extremely complex and made up of multiple components.  

Many newbie contractors only deal with textbook glitches. So, in case you have a problem that’s slightly out of the ordinary, they may throw in the towel or make matters worse.  

On the other hand, a well-grounded furnace services company is more likely to have technicians with refined mechanical and troubleshooting skills.  As a result, they can spot and resolve unprecedented issues before they snowball out of control.  

Moreover, a knowledgeable HVAC contractor will assess your situation and help you decide on the most suitable solution for your home and budget. They’ll also be happy to answer any other questions you may have. 

Be sure to put your faith in a technician with at least a few years of experience in the bag. Take a look at the company’s website to see how long they’ve been around. Don’t forget to check out their list of services. The more information you can gather, the better. 

2. Reputation 

It’s always smart to opt for a heating and cooling services provider with an exceptional track record.  More often than not, HVAC contractors with a positive market reputation offer better services.

There are several ways you can run a background check on a prospective HVAC technician. Start with reaching out to their previous clients. Ask about the contractor’s installation/service performance. Was the job completed on time and within budget? Were they fully prepared? What was their behavior like? Did they clean up after themselves? 

Also, study third-party websites for honest feedback, but steer clear of fake reviews, angry rants, and numerical ratings. Talk to your friends and family for their opinions on the provider’s services. Doing this will give you a comprehensive idea of the contractor’s credibility.  

3. Customer Service  

When your air conditioner croaks in the middle of a hot day, you’ll want your HVAC company to rush to your rescue, no questions asked. However, far too many contractors simply walk in, perform superficial repairs, and call it a day. Needless to say, they won’t stand by you in the long haul. 

It always pays off to hire service providers who put their clients above all else. A trustworthy technician will be happy to go the extra mile and ensure complete customer satisfaction. They’ll be willing to explain the repairs in detail without throwing in a lot of technical jargon. 

Also, they will keep you posted on the fixes, and respect your home during the installation process.  

In this regard, avoid contractors who give you a quote over the phone.  Instead, the heating repair technician should offer to visit your home for an inspection and provide you with a more accurate estimate of what you need.

Always seek an HVAC company that prides itself on its customer service skills and commits to building a rapport with its clients. If your contractor isn’t as invested as you’d like them to be, you can always move on to someone else. 

4. Certifications and Licensing 

Installing a new furnace or air conditioner isn’t something any average Joe can accomplish. Consequently, you must choose certified professionals with enough expertise to take on a repair/installation job. 

HVAC technicians in Utah need a license issued by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Furthermore, they’re required to have an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification, which verifies that the technician is authorized to work with refrigerants.  

 HVAC contractors also undergo additional training for a North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification.  

A Utah heating and cooling services company that requires its technicians to have these credentials is usually more efficient and professional. Besides, certified contractors have a better shot at getting things right the first time around. 

Before making an appointment with an HVAC company, feel free to ask if their contractors are certified. You can also request a copy of their documents as proof. A legitimate service provider will not hesitate to show you any licenses, should you ask.  

5. Fair Prices  

When it comes to heating and cooling systems, the cheapest technician is rarely the best. In fact, you should treat suspiciously inexpensive service providers with caution. They may be cutting corners or using low-quality products, setting you up for a world of trouble. Remember that poorly installed HVAC systems can cause you to shell out even more in frequent repairs. 

In contrast, higher prices often indicate better quality of equipment, trained technicians, and excellent maintenance arrangements. However, you may not have the money to foot these bills.  

Instead of chasing the lowest bidder, seek a company that strikes a fair balance between its prices and services. Also, see if they offer guarantees on all the services delivered.  

A well-established HVAC company will provide its customers with written, itemized estimates before the work begins. Apart from minimizing the risk of hidden costs, these estimates can help you shop around and compare prices. Be sure to read the written proposal carefully and understand the charges before signing the dotted line.  

Heating and cooling systems are probably the biggest purchase you’ll make for your home. To keep expenses from spiraling, see if you can find any specials or rebates to save some precious cash. 

Furthermore, ask your HVAC company about any current coupon offers or discounts they may have. Your technician should be able to lay down all your rebate, warranty, and other savings options in crystal-clear detail. 

Wrapping Up 

Choosing an HVAC contractor for your home may seem difficult at first, especially because you want what’s best for your home. But it certainly isn’t impossible. All you need to do is weigh individual service providers against the terms mentioned above, and you’ll find one who fits the bill in no time.  

Do you need heating and cooling services for your Northern Utah home? Your search ends with Perform Heating and Cooling. Our skilled experts specialize in all things HVAC, be it installing a new furnace or tuning an air conditioner. Contact us today to schedule a service call!