4 Top Tips for Finding and Dealing with HVAC Professionals
Many homeowners don’t give much thought to their HVAC system until there’s a problem. Sort of like most of us don’t check under the hood of our cars unless there’s a problem. In both scenarios, it pays to do your research and learn how to communicate with the people who can ease your pain.
By Anne Fonda
All you have to do is Google “HVAC companies near me” and you’ll have a list of heating and air companies to contact for air conditioning repair, HVAC maintenance, or HVAC installation services. But how do you decide who to call? Read our tips for finding and dealing with HVAC professionals.
Tip #1: Understand HVAC professionals
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Professionals in this field either own or work for an HVAC company. Some HVAC companies are independently owned, while others are a local franchise and part of a bigger organization.
When you decide to hire an HVAC professional, you’re hiring the entire company. You want to be sure the company is NATE-certified, licensed, bonded, and insured. You also want to make sure they’ve been in business for at least 5 years. Companies that do shoddy work don’t stay in business long.
Tip #2: Choose the right HVAC professional
Take enough time to do some research to help ensure you choose the right HVAC company for the job. Some of the basics include:
- Asking for referrals from friends and family
- Reading customer reviews and testimonials
- Researching and comparing HVAC companies
- Reading through company websites to see if they do the work you need
- Comparing service call fees or system replacement quotes
Once you’ve done some research, start calling or filling out contact forms for the top contenders.
Tip #3: Communicate clearly with HVAC professionals
Whether on the phone or in writing, explain your HVAC concerns effectively. Give as much information to the first person you talk to as possible. Details can help an HVAC company send the right technician for repairs, or a product line specialist to give you a quote.
If you set up consultations for HVAC replacement or new system installation, have a list of questions to ask. As the consultations proceed, make notes. This can help when it comes time to choose between HVAC companies.
Ask your questions if they are not answered during the consultation. Make sure you understand the proposed solutions, pricing, and implications of the various heating and cooling systems.
HVAC repair
When your AC is blowing hot air or your furnace is blowing cold air, you need to schedule HVAC repairs, and fast. If you have a favorite HVAC company near you, call them first. If they can’t come out for days, start asking around for recommendations for:
- AC Repair
- Furnace Repair
- Heat Pump Repair
When the HVAC technicians arrive at your home, show them to the HVAC units and tell them what the problem is, including sounds or smells that you have noticed. They should have a good idea of what is causing the problem but may have to do some troubleshooting. It may be a single HVAC technician or a team. Some companies send new technicians out with senior technicians as part of on-the-job training.
It’s perfectly OK to hang around nearby, but don’t hover. Ask any questions you may have - most technicians are happy to share their knowledge and give you tips. If you like the way they do their job, leave a review - it helps other homeowners like you.
HVAC replacement
If you’ve been making repeated HVAC repairs and they’re getting more and more expensive, it’s time to consider HVAC replacement. This can include:
- Air Conditioning Replacement
- Furnace Replacement
- Heat Pump Replacement
Replacing an HVAC system can be expensive. Make sure you get multiple quotes. If you’ve been happy with the HVAC company that has done repairs over the years, include them as one of your options.
If there is a huge difference in pricing, ask why. Opt for the most efficient system at the best price. If the pricing is similar, look at the warranties and think about how you have been treated throughout the process. Also, consider HVAC financing options and who offers the best deal.
HVAC installation
If you are building a new home or remodeling an older home without an existing HVAC system, you’re starting from scratch. You want an HVAC contractor near you who can work closely with you and your builder or remodeling company.
Look for HVAC companies near you who have experience designing and installing climate control systems from the ground up. Not all HVAC companies have this area of expertise. Many focus on HVAC repair and replacement.
Meet with representatives from several HVAC companies - designing and installing a new system including ductwork is a big job. Now is also the time to consider a zoned HVAC system. You can accomplish room-by-room comfort with a traditional ducted system or a multi-zone ductless system.
Explore all of your options before deciding what system is best and who to hire. The HVAC contractor you choose should work closely with your builder and other subcontractors to ensure the best result. They should also communicate with you to let you know of progress and potential delays.
Tip #4: Form a long-term relationship
Much like you form a long-term relationship with a great mechanic or great hair salon or barbershop, you want to form a long-term relationship with your HVAC company. Most HVAC companies offer service contracts.
Signing up for one means the company will contact you when it’s time for a furnace tuneup or AC tuneup. Routine maintenance is crucial to getting the best performance out of your HVAC equipment. As an existing customer with a service contract, you may also jump to the front of the line for HVAC service after a big storm or during a heat wave.
Read through the service contract fine print to make sure you know what it means.
Ready to work with experienced HVAC professionals?
If you need AC repair, furnace replacement, or heat pump installation in the home you’re building, contact your local Trane dealer. From Austin, TX to Tampa FL to Oyster Bay, NY, to Los Angeles, CA, we have you covered.
Many Trane Comfort Specialists provide emergency HVAC services and can schedule an in-home consultation for larger system replacement and installation projects.
Anne Fonda
Content Writer, Trane Technologies
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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