Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor

Any homeowner knows–when it comes time to hiring a heating and cooling contractor to service your home’s HVAC system, you want to be sure you’re working with someone you can trust. After all, it’s your family’s comfort and wellbeing, and your hard-earned funds that are at stake! That’s why your friendly neighborhood provider of heating and cooling services in Cleveland, Ohio is here to help, with a checklist of the things to consider the next time you’re looking to hire. We want you to have the best experience possible, so we’re sharing some industry insights.

Study Up

Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state, and don’t shy away from asking companies if they meet these criteria and are able to provide proof. Check out their websites to get a feel for their businesses. Before you call a contractor, know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Make note of any uncomfortably warm or cool spots in the rooms in your home, as this will help contractors better understand your heating and cooling needs and flag potential issues.

Ask For Referrals

Word of mouth is always the best form of recommendation, so read customer reviews for the companies you’re considering. If these are hard to find, there may be a reason why the company doesn’t want you to hear from their previous clients. It’s also a great idea to ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals. If you’re coming up empty, you can also contact HVAC Cleveland trade organizations for names of any of their members who may service your location.

Call References

If you want to be especially thorough, you can ask contractors for customer references from previous jobs, and then call them. Ask about the contractor's installation or service performance, and if the job was completed on time and within budget. Feel free to inquire about how the customer felt that they were treated, and whether they felt that the work done was equal to the value of the job. Draft a list of questions prior to calling for the most efficient conversation.

Find Special Offers

Since a heating and cooling system is one of the larger home-related purchases you can make, it’s worthwhile checking around for available rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment. Rebates can help to lower costs and every little bit helps! We specifically mention ENERGY STAR rated appliances because they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings.

Expect an Evaluation

When the heating and cooling contractor comes to assess the job, they should spend time inspecting your current system and home or business. A contractor should size the heating and air conditioning system based on the size of your building, level of insulation, and number and types of windows. Remember: a bigger system isn't always better.

Get Written, Itemized Estimates

First off, it should be said that it’s worth comparing a few contractors and getting several estimates when you’re deciding on who to entrust with your HVAC project. When comparing various contractors' proposals (bids), be sure to compare elements like cost, energy efficiency, and any applicable warranties that accompany both the work and the equipment. The lowest price may not be the best deal in the long run if the contractor wants to use inefficient equipment that will drive up your energy costs.

Reliable Air Conditioner Maintenance and Furnace Installation Near Cleveland

Budget Heating and Air Conditioning, better known as Budget Ohio, has been servicing residential and commercial HVAC systems in Cleveland, Ohio since 1953. Whether you’re looking for air conditioning services and heating services, or you are hoping to start a new project and need our virtual estimating services, we’re here to help. In fact, we’re here when you need us most, with our 24-hour HVAC emergency services. If you live in or own a business in the Greater Cleveland area of Northeast Ohio, then you’re probably within our service area! Contact us today to get started on your next HVAC installation project, or to solve persistent heating and cooling problems–our experts are ready!