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Finding the right heating and air conditioning company can be tricky. Follow these steps to choose the best one for your needs.

As of 2019, there were around 118,000 HVAC businesses in the U.S alone. Finding companies that you can trust to service your HVAC unit with so many firms in the industry is a difficult job. You want to ensure that the company does not take advantage of you or their work and is reliable when providing services. If you follow these checkpoints before hiring an HVAC contractor, then you will be well on your way to finding one you can depend on!

1. Check the Company's License and Insurance

The worst mistake you can make is to entrust HVAC work to a company that is not licensed and insured. Hiring an HVAC contractor without these credentials exposes you to liability, which can be costly when it comes time for legal proceedings.

Contact the companies in question and find out if they have all of their licenses and general liability coverage just in case something goes wrong during installation.

2. Ask for References from Previous Customers

A good company should have no qualms linking you up with previous customers to remove doubt and give you peace of mind. HVAC contractors should have no problem with this, as they want to make a good impression and connect you with people who are happy about the work done on their home or office space. If a contractor has any reservations, it may be best not to move forward with them.

3. Do They Provide Emergency Services?

There's no telling when your HVAC system is going to break down. It could be during winter or in the middle of summer. HVAC contractors with emergency services offer around-the-clock support, which is a must if you're worried about your HVAC system breaking down at any time during the year. Companies that are more than happy to provide this service are what you should be looking out for, for your sanity during such times.

4. Look at Reviews on the Web

Nowadays, you can tell a lot about a company just by looking at online reviews. HVAC contractors will have their pages with feedback from customers to show you just how happy they were with the work done. You can also find out what other people are saying about a company's service and efficiency by checking sites like Yelp or Angie's List, where others give ratings for HVAC companies.

5. Get Several Quotes

Don't just settle for the first company you find. HVAC companies have different prices and offer various services, so take your time searching around to find the contractor that suits you best. Hiring an HVAC company is a big decision for any homeowner or business owner - so make sure it will satisfy all of your needs going forward at the most reasonable rates.

6 Find Out if They've Worked on a Similar Unit

Having someone working on a unit they are familiar with is important. HVAC technicians who have not worked on a particular unit before may spend too much time figuring out how to work it, which can lead to longer wait times and increased costs for you in the end. Hiring someone who has experience with your model of HVAC system is crucial for getting prompt service at an affordable rate.

7 Ask for Warranties

On average, installing an HVAC unit will set you back at least $4850- a tidy sum by all means. It only makes sense to ask HVAC contractors to provide a warranty for the work they do. This will protect you if anything goes wrong with your unit or if it malfunctions after installation.

If your contractor doesn't have warranties on their units and parts, ask them why. HVAC contractors who are confident in their work will guarantee the units they install or replace, so this is something to watch.

8 Ask About Financing Options

Sometimes, the worst happens when we're least prepared financially. That's why it's important to find a contractor who offers HVAC financing options for homeowners who need to spread the cost of installing a new system out over time. Hiring a contractor with this type of policy is not only wise but will save you from getting into debt in these challenging times where every dollar matters.

9 Be Aware of Hidden Charges

If you're not careful, you might end up spending more than what is indicated in the quotes. To avoid this kind of scenario, HVAC contractors must be upfront about the costs they will charge you. Hire a transparent contractor that offers precise estimates of what work will be done, how much it'll cost them to do it, and any additional charges for parts or labor needed on-site after installation.

10 Get Referrals from Family Members, Friends, Neighbors, and Coworkers

The chances are that a few people in your social circle have HVAC systems that need to be repaired, replaced, or installed. Ask them for referrals and recommendations of HVAC companies they have used in the past, as these people know what it takes to find a good contractor who delivers quality work at affordable rates.

11 Find Out How Long They've Been in Business

One of the indicators of a good contractor is how long they've been in business. Hiring an HVAC company that has been around for decades is a good idea because they will have the experience and know-how to do things right from start to finish. Besides, it takes a serious company to stay in business for a long time.

You have a lot of questions to ask before hiring an HVAC company. Our Comfortec Heating Cooling & Plumbing team has been in the business for years, and we've got the answers you need. We are proud to offer our customers estimates on new installations or repairs no matter your heating system's make or model. From residential service calls to commercial air conditioning services, we do it all! Call us today for more information about how we can help improve your home comfort quickly and affordably with top-notch workmanship.