During this winter, your HVAC unit needs to be in its best condition to keep your home warm and comfortable. However, problems like a faulty thermostat, frozen pipes, and dirty air filters can hinder your unit’s performance this season. Considering the complexity of HVAC units, the best decision after your system develops such issues is to contact an expert.
Perhaps you’ve got a faulty HVAC unit but don’t know how to find a reliable technician for its repair. Learn more about the factors to help you choose the best HVAC contractor.
Cost
Clarity about what can influence your HVAC repair costs can help you create a reasonable budget. If your HVAC unit needs expensive replacement components or complex repair procedures, expect to spend more on its repair. A warranty agreement, your home’s energy efficiency, and external factors like your HVAC unit’s type and age can also determine the cost you incur.
Regular inspection and maintenance of your HVAC unit is a great way to save on repair costs. Through regular HVAC maintenance, you can easily identify minor issues before they escalate and become costly to repair. Contact several HVAC contractors to know the estimated cost of your HVAC unit repair.
Insurance
An HVAC contractor’s actions can cause them to get injured or even damage your property. Insurance implies that you won’t pay for any unexpected liability when such uncertainties happen.
Workers’ compensation insurance, general liability, and professional liability insurance are some key types of coverage for HVAC contractors.
Workers’ compensation insurance will cover treatment costs after an HVAC contractor gets involved in an accident and sustains injuries at your place. General liability insurance covers the repair or replacement costs after HVAC technicians damage their clients’ properties. Professional liability insurance will cover your costs if you sue an HVAC contractor for errors or omissions in your unit’s repair.
Ensure that the HVAC contractor of your choice has a legit Certificate of Insurance (COI). A COI confirms that the contractor’s insurance is legal and outlines crucial information like the coverage type and policy conditions.
Certifications
Certifications are a sign that an HVAC contractor is credible and trustworthy. Some of the most common certifications for HVAC contractors are the following:
- R-410A proves a contractor’s training and expertise in refrigerants.
- North American Technical Excellence (NATE) proves an understanding of HVAC technology fundamentals.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proves an HVAC contractor’s ability to handle harmful refrigerant materials safely. Type 1 EPA certification, type II, and type III EPA certifications are the major levels of this certification.
- Indoor Air Quality certification proves that an HVAC contractor’s repair or installation services will contribute to your home’s clean indoor air.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, verify that their certifications are current and legit.
Warranty
A warranty assures you that an HVAC technician will help you in case of any unexpected problem with your unit. An HVAC contractor should provide a parts warranty and an installation warranty. An HVAC parts warranty covers future problems after the contractor uses faulty replacement components. On the contrary, an installation warranty covers issues that result from the contractor’s poor installation services.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, check the warranty terms and mistakes that could make it void. The warranty’s overall terms should include the coverage period and the components not covered. Mistakes that could void your HVAC warranty include maintenance negligence and unapproved replacement components. Also, keep your HVAC unit’s maintenance receipts since their misplacement could void your warranty.
A professional HVAC contractor can quickly and safely fix any issue with your unit. American Air Heating & Air Conditioning is a reputable and experienced HVAC contractor to contact if you need quality HVAC installation, repair, or maintenance services. Contact us today to get an estimate.