5 Things to Ask Before Choosing an HVAC Contractor in Melbourne, FL
Finding and hiring the right HVAC contractor in Melbourne, FL is easier if you know what questions to ask. You want to make sure you are getting the best professional that fits your needs and is accessible and easy to get along with. Before choosing your HVAC contractor, you should ask these five questions.
1. Is Your Company Licensed and Insured?
You want to be sure the company has a license and insurance to work in your municipality. A licensed HVAC company has the proper credentials to perform HVAC services and allows you to file an insurance claim in the event of any damage to your home or HVAC system. It isn’t uncommon to ask to see a contractor’s license administered by the state of Florida.
Your contractor should carry General Liability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Insurance to protect your home and their employees. Not having insurance is a red flag that the company is either uninsurable or financially insecure. An insured HVAC contractor should be able to produce a Certificate of Insurance quickly by asking their carrier to email a PDF version.
2. How Much Experience Do You and Your Employees Have?
Experience is very important when it comes to trusting your HVAC contractor to do the job correctly and with the most current technology. Every contractor has to start somewhere, but you want a company with a good track record, an impressive list of customers and positive reviews or references.
Don’t be shy about asking if their HVAC technicians received training and certification to work on the equipment they install and service. You also want to know if the installers and repair personnel are employees of the company or if the primary contractor is using a subcontractor to do the job. While not a complete red flag, using a subcontractor can possibly indicate a lack of expertise within the company to complete tasks at a quality level.
3. Do You Guarantee Your Work and Provide Product Warranties?
Being without working air conditioning along the Atlantic coast of Florida in summer is not an option. You want reliable equipment from a reputable manufacturer that comes with a product warranty. A plus is having a guarantee on all work from the contractor, including labor warranties.
Ask the potential contractor if they will give you a satisfaction and quote guarantee in writing before starting the work. You should also ask if they will give you a manufacturer’s warranty after system installation or replacement work.
4. What Maintenance Plans Do You Have in Place?
If you want your HVAC equipment to last a long time, remain energy efficient and perform optimally, seasonal HVAC maintenance is necessary. A company that offers routine maintenance packages ensures that periodic tune-ups will be on the schedule at the right times of the year. These plans can help save you money and prevent costly service calls.
It is important to note that some HVAC system manufacturers require annual equipment maintenance to keep the warranty active. A good contractor will remind you when it is time to schedule your HVAC service and make sure that it gets performed within the warranty requirements.
5. Is the Company Available 24 Hours for Emergency Assistance?
Having an HVAC contractor that is available to take calls 24 hours a day offers peace of mind when an emergency occurs. You want a company that is attentive and responsive so that you aren’t without AC or heat for an extended period. Be sure to ask if there is customer service that accepts calls during non-business hours and if technicians are available to make house calls during that time.
When you need an HVAC contractor, it pays to ask the right questions to prevent a potential headache later on. We pride ourselves on helping our customers remain comfortable in their homes year-round. When you need heating and air conditioning installation, repair services or maintenance, contact us at Anna’s Air and Heat in Melbourne, FL.
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