An HVAC system can make your home or workplace much more comfortable, but deciding how to hire an HVAC installation professional doesn’t have to make your head spin. If you’ve decided to add a new heating and air conditioning system to your residential or commercial space, take a few moments to write down what questions or concerns you might have. Here are four to get you started:
How Long Has the HVAC Installation Professional You Are Considering Served Your Area?
The particular needs of your residential or commercial space will be different than those located in other areas. What might serve someone quite well in Minnesota may not be the best option for us in Georgia. It is important that the HVAC professional installing your system knows what works best in your local climate. Therefore, it pays to find out how long their company has been serving your area.
It is also perfectly acceptable to ask for references and recommendations. It is best to get at least three. Do not trust everything written online! Go with personal testimonies, if you can. You can also do some research with the BBB, or Better Business Bureau. A company with a good reputation is what you want. Even if their estimate is a little higher, the assurance that you are working with a reputable company who will stand by their work is worth the extra cost.
Many companies offer warranties or service contracts along with the work they provide. Ask to see what is available for your system. Again, it may be worth spending a little bit more on the installation of the HVAC system if you can ensure the company will handle any issues that may arise after the job is complete.
Is the HVAC Installation Professional You Want to Hire Licensed in Georgia?
The HVAC installation professional you hire must have a license in the state of Georgia. Georgia requires that all contractors installing HVAC units have a Conditioned Air Contractor License. They must complete three years of experience approved by the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors to be eligible to take the licensing exam.
There are two different types of Conditioned Air Contractor Licenses. A Conditioned Air Contractor License Class I places restrictions on the size of the HVAC unit they can install. The Conditioned Air Contractor License Class II has no restrictions, but to be eligible to take this exam requires more experience. If your space requires a larger HVAC system, be sure your installation professional has the proper license.
In addition to licensing, ask your HVAC installation professional if they have liability insurance and are appropriately bonded. Accidents can happen no matter how professional your installer may be. It is important to know your property has protection should damages occur.
How Does the Installer Determine the Size of the HVAC System Needed?
It is important to understand how your installation professional plans to decide on the right HVAC system for you. Most importantly, you must understand the size of the system they recommend. If the system is too small for your space, then it will not adequately serve its purpose. And if the HVAC system is too large for your space, it will not function efficiently and could cost you more than necessary on your monthly utility bill.
Ask for an explanation of how your installation professional intends to estimate the right size of the HVAC unit for your space. Most companies will use the Manual J method of calculating the size of the HVAC system. This method considers the age and square footage of the space and the number of doors, windows and floors. It also factors in local energy rates to calculate what size HVAC unit will best serve the space. Not all companies will use this exact method, but they should be able to explain to you how they calculated the size of the HVAC system they are recommending.
How Does This HVAC Installation Professional Compare to Others?
This is a good question to keep in the back of your mind as you consider hiring an HVAC installation professional. Always get written quotes from multiple companies. If you have your questions written down in advance, you can compare and contrast each company’s answers along with their written quotes. The cheapest quote will not always be your best bet. Consider the reputation of the company as well as any other warranties or services they can provide. Spending a little more on installation could end up saving you money over time.
Are you trying to decide how to hire an HVAC installation professional? We are here for you! At Peak Steel Contractors, we have the expertise to get you started on your path to comfort, so request a free quote today.
