How to Choose the Best HVAC Contractor
Google HVAC contractor near me, and what do you get? If you’re in a highly-populated area such as Los Angeles, you have a dizzying array of companies to choose from. If you’re in rural Iowa, you may not have so many options. But you still need to choose.
Learn how to find the right HVAC service you can trust.
By Anne Fonda
Whether you’re building a new home in North Carolina or you need air conditioning repair in Houston, finding the right HVAC contractor near you is crucial to getting the job done right at a competitive price. To help you find the right HVAC company for installation or service, we’ve pulled together some key factors to consider.
1. Seek reliable references and referrals
Start here. Ask for references and referrals from family and friends. NextDoor and Facebook community groups may also be a good resource - just make sure the person posting has used the service and is not the company owner or their relative. Ask which HVAC companies near you people have used - who were they happy with, and who should you avoid?
Getting recommendations for companies others have already vetted cuts down on your homework. But you still need to do your due diligence. Check out the company websites. Look for reviews, ratings, and testimonials to gauge the HVAC contractor’s reputation.
Are they responsive? Do they go above and beyond in customer service? Do they stand behind their work? Look to see how the company responds to reviews, both positive and negative.
2. Look for proper licensing and certifications
At a minimum, you should:
- Check for a valid license from your state or local Contractors Licensing Board if required.
- Ensure the heating and cooling contractors hold the necessary certifications for HVAC installations and repairs.
- Verify if the contractor is bonded and insured.
For further evidence of an HVAC contractor’s expertise, look for:
- NATE Certification - NATE is a North American Technician Excellence certificate and the highest possible HVAC accreditation done by an independent company.
- Trane Diagnostics -If you have a Trane system and the Trane Home App, a Trane dealer may be able to remotely diagnose an issue with your HVAC system. This saves you and the dealer time and money.
- Trane Comfort Specialist - This title is awarded to Trane dealers who are experts in servicing and maintaining Trane’s HVAC systems. They are committed to customer satisfaction.
3. Look for extensive experience and expertise
Look for HVAC companies near you who have years of experience in the HVAC industry. At least 5 years as a company, and read the About Us section for reassurance that among them, the team has decades of experience in repair and replacement of all HVAC equipment - air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, ductwork, ductless systems, etc.
If your air conditioner went out in the middle of a heat wave or your furnace stopped working on the coldest day of the year, look for heating and cooling contractors that list 24/7 emergency HVAC service near you. When you need someone in a hurry, still do your homework. Think twice about hiring anyone with a lot of 1-star reviews.
Special considerations: New build or renovation
New build
If you are building a new home, ensure they have HVAC system design experience. Some HVAC companies specialize in HVAC repair and HVAC replacement and don’t have experience designing and installing a new HVAC system.
You want to make sure you choose an HVAC contractor who will answer the question “What are the three options to be looked at when choosing an HVAC system?” and be able to make recommendations for your climate and your home layout.
Those three options are:
- Traditional split system
- Packaged system
- Ductless system
A new build is the perfect time to consider an HVAC zoning system or a multi-zone ductless system to offer superior energy efficiency and comfort control.
Extensive renovation
If you bought an older home without air conditioning that is undergoing extensive renovation, you want an HVAC contractor who has experience designing a heating and cooling system that will work in tight spaces and provide superior comfort. This may require an upgrade of your electrical system, depending on the HVAC system you choose.
4. Expect a comprehensive home evaluation
An in-home or on-site visit is where you can start weeding HVAC contractors out, or discover who you might like to work with. The best contractors will:
- Offer a thorough evaluation of your home's heating and cooling needs.
- Take measurements and perform calculations for proper system sizing.
- Consider factors like insulation, ductwork, and energy efficiency.
- Talk through your options with you and explain why you may need to replace the whole HVAC system rather than just one component.
- Answer any questions you have.
After the in-person visit, you can expect to receive quotes based on what your needs and preferences are.
5. Expect a transparent bidding process
For air conditioning repair and furnace repair, most HVAC companies will tell you there is a service fee for a technician to walk in the door. Unless they were able to remotely diagnose the problem, they won’t give you a quote over the phone for repair. However, an HVAC technician will not perform any work before telling you what the repair cost will be.
With HVAC replacement or new installation, however, you should have the time to think things through. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers about getting HVAC quotes.
Should I get multiple HVAC quotes?
Yes, most certainly. You would get multiple quotes on any large home improvement expense, and this is no different.
What should I look for in an HVAC quote?
Look for a detailed written estimate that includes a breakdown of the equipment cost and work to be done (removal of old equipment, installation of new equipment, cleanup, etc.) You’ll want to compare the pricing, warranties, and services included in each bid.
Are HVAC quotes negotiable?
Sometimes, but not necessarily. It will depend on the individual HVAC contractor, how busy they are, and how thin (or thick) their profit margins are. Look for discounts on their website, and consider installing HVAC components that are eligible for tax credits, rebates, and other offers to help offset the cost of installation.
Beware of unusually low or high bids and make sure you understand the reasons behind the pricing. Choose the HVAC contractor who communicates things well and offers competitive pricing and experience.
Find expert HVAC service near me
Find a Trane Comfort Specialist near you for expert air conditioner repair and furnace repair services. Or if you’re considering a new HVAC system, get expert product recommendations and a detailed written quote.
Read our Why Choose Trane page for more information on why you can expect more when you choose our equipment and our dealers.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
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