Learn Foundational Knowledge
The top way to help yourself choose the best HVAC contractor is to learn foundational knowledge about HVAC. You should have a basic understanding of your current HVAC system, its maintenance history, and any problems you have noticed lately.
Additionally, we recommend being aware of the different types of HVAC systems, which ones are available for your home, how much they cost, and what HVAC repair and replacement entail. We also recommend taking the time to learn HVAC terminology so that you can keep up a conversation with contractors when they are using technical terms. You never just want to nod your head but have no idea what they are talking about. An informed homeowner will know when they are getting scammed or when a contractor has their best interest in mind.
Understand Local Requirements
Wherever you live in the country, it is essential to understand your local laws and requirements for any type of contractor working on your home. Here in Washington, there is no statewide HVAC or mechanical license. Instead, HVAC technicians and specialty contractors are required to be licensed as specialty electricians. To get such a license, HVAC professionals will need to meet certain minimum requirements.
It is also important to remember that certain cities have local requirements beyond state requirements. For example, Kennewick, Pullman, Seattle, Spokane, and Yakima all license HVAC and/or Refrigeration professionals who want to work within city limits.
Check HVAC Certifications
Being licensed is one thing, but continual training is another. To get the best HVAC contractor, you want to ensure they have received extensive training before hiring. We recommend checking their website for any certifications or training accomplishments. Additionally, if the company is an authorized dealer for a specific HVAC manufacturing company, it should have received training and certification to qualify for factory endorsement. Most companies with an endorsement will display it proudly, so it should be easy to find.
Confirm Insurance for HVAC Company
When working with any type of home service company, you want to guarantee they are insured. Only the sleazy companies will skip on insurance, demonstrating they care little for their staff and you. Therefore, when you choose an HVAC contractor, you should always confirm their insurance and ask what happens if a worker were to get hurt on the job.
Ask for References
Word of mouth is the top choice for finding the best HVAC contractors. Why? Because those friends and family members giving those recommendations have actually worked with the contractor. They will provide you with honest feedback about the contractor, from the work they completed to their business practices to their demeanor. Therefore, you will know you are getting a genuine, high-quality contractor before you even meet them.
Research Reviews
If you are unable to get a local recommendation, you will have to take to the internet. We recommend checking trusted sources for reviews. You can also check sites like Google, Yelp, and other online review sources. Do bear in mind to take reviews with a grain of salt. Sometimes people are just mean! We recommend looking at the overall comments rather than focusing on one specific review or their star rating. Reviewing peoples’ comments will give you a concept of their experiences and a chance to notice any problematic patterns.
Compare Proposals
As with any project, it is recommended to reach out to at least three different companies. To find the best HVAC contractor, you should meet with each one and carefully compare the submitted proposals.
When it comes to HVAC repairs or replacements, you will want to make a note of the costs of equipment and installation, energy efficiency ratings, warranty information, model recommendations, and if there are any additional service fees. We recommend checking carefully to ensure there are no hidden clauses or unidentified fees.
Lastly, it is vital to remember that the cheapest proposal is rarely the best. That old saying, “you get what you pay for,” is especially true in the contracting world. Cutting costs often means cutting quality.
Communicate Expectations
Finally, the last tip for choosing the best HVAC contractor is to communicate expectations, from you to them and them to you. Firstly, you must communicate with your HVAC contractor that you will expect a detailed home inspection, an itemized quote, and a clear timeline with any abnormalities noted.
Secondly, you should ask your contractor what they will expect of you. Will you need to be present for a specific timeframe, lock pets away, lay down plastic, or prepare any spaces? Anything you can do to prepare before their arrival will speed up the process and prevent any unnecessary stress.
Call Apollo Heating & Air Condition Today
If you would like to work with the best HVAC contractors in the Tri-Cities area, give us a call today! With 100 years of collective experience, our experienced team of highly trained technicians will work with you and exceed your expectations during HVAC installs and repairs. Our goal is always to earn and maintain your trust and confidence, which is why we take pride in our long-term relationships with our customers.
Our expert HVAC technicians carry the appropriate special licenses, including 06A electrical, EPA refrigerant handling, OSHA, and have Union Trained Apprenticeship training. To learn more about us and our services, please visit our website or schedule an appointment today.
