Most people don’t think about hiring air conditioning contractors until there is an urgent situation. Your A/C system runs quietly in the background, unnoticed, until there is a problem. You might notice a strange smell or noise, or you might just notice that it isn’t able to keep up with the changing temperatures. You don’t want to wait until your home temperature is unbearable or your energy bills are through the roof.
A new HVAC system will be one of the most expensive purchases a homeowner will make. You want to find a reliable and trustworthy contractor to ensure that you get the system you need. Hiring air conditioning contractors can be intimidating, but there are some steps you can take to make it easier and ensure that you are happy with the outcome.
Homework For Hiring Air Conditioning Contractors
Before you begin your search for air conditioning contractors, do a bit of homework. Check into the licensing and insurance requirements of your state and city. Make a note of the model of your current system, and gather your records regarding its history of maintenance and repairs. Create a list of questions and problems with your system, such as noise, inconsistent temperatures, and other concerns.
Get Personal References
Ask your neighbors, friends, and co-workers about their experiences with hiring air conditioning contractors. Your local union offices or trade organizations may also have information to help you choose your service provider. Look at websites with consumer reviews or contact the Better Business Bureau to help form an opinion of the company’s service.
Contact Your List Of Maybes
Once you have narrowed your list of potential contractors down to a reasonable number, it’s time to contact them. A reputable contractor should be willing to supply you with a list of previous clients. Ask their former clients questions about the quality of service of the contractor. Some good questions to ask are whether the contractor was timely and stayed within budget.
Sealing the Deal
After hiring air conditioning contractors, it is up to you to make sure that you have a positive experience. You budget, choice of system, and other choices are up to you. Listen to the advice of your contractor but remember that you are the employer.
Cost Consideration
Pricing is a huge factor in determining the system that will work best for you. Keep an eye out for special sales and deals. Before hiring air conditioning contractors, find out what kind of packages they offer. Some will provide discounts on maintenance and repairs for systems that they install. Take the time to go to www.energystar.gov and see which systems qualify for rebates. In addition to the savings on energy costs, your rebate can help make your system affordable.
Listen To Your Contractor
Your HVAC Service Smyrna TN contractor will evaluate your home to determine the right system for you. They should examine your duct work and inspect it for leaks and damage, as well as measure the airflow. The size of your house, insulation quality, and number of windows will help them to find the right system. If the air conditioning contractors that you are hiring don’t take the time to evaluate your needs, you might want to consider choosing someone else.
Warranty And Energy Efficiency
When you reach the stage in the process of hiring air conditioning contractors of getting estimates, consider several factors. In addition to the final cost, consider warranties and energy efficiency. A bid that seems much higher may include an extended service warranty or free maintenance. A system that is very energy efficient might quickly make up for the additional up front cost in energy bill savings. Like any major purchase, hiring air conditioning contractors should be approached with a mindset of long term costs and benefits, not just the immediate numbers.
Get It In Writing
Once you’ve made your choice, make sure you get everything in writing. Examine all documents carefully before signing. Even an honest contractor can make mistakes, and if the contract is different from what you thought you agreed on then you are still bound by the written agreement. Ask any questions you may have before signing. Your contractor is used to home owners who aren’t experienced with HVAC systems and will be happy to address your concerns.
It is important to be comfortable in your home. Uncomfortable temperatures can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep, damage your possessions, and make everyone in the household irritable. While hiring air conditioning contractors can be a daunting proposition. If you follow these steps, you can be sure to get the best service and the best heating and cooling system for your home.