Selecting an HVAC contractor is an important decision that shouldn’t be made without doing some homework to be sure you’re making the best choice.

First, find a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and then listen to you. With that information, they should be able to show you up to four options from which you can select.

When they schedule your installation, is it when you want it done, or when they can get to it? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will ensure it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not a do-it-yourself affair and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in many areas, from load calculation to piping and quite a few steps in between. You could get the highest rated system, but if it’s improperly installed you may not get top-of-the-line performance.

Here are a couple other questions to help you make the best selection while researching your HVAC contractor.

Do they have NATE-Certification?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and thorough tests created by a committee of industry professionals. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will offer you peace of mind knowing your contractor has undergone rigorous professional training.

Have you seen references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can chat with and tell you about the quality of their company’s work. Call their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend them to you.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to read the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll view any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a nonprofit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be dedicated to their trade and will be able to give referrals for previous work.

Another option is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are typically the most beneficial recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk to and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors rely upon positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust backs them it’s likely they’ll do good work for you too.

Have you verified they’re licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but almost all of them do. It’s easy to search online to see if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when getting quotes from a contractor. The reason many states require licenses is simply to guard you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.

If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably better to look elsewhere to help avoid any potential problems.

When is the best time to ask these questions?

The best time to ask questions and pick an HVAC contractor is right now, before something occurs with your system. Get your furnace checked out while it’s working properly and schedule your annual maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning in Arlington. Our HVAC experts would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 360-255-5857. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.