Tips for Selecting the Best Possible HVAC Contractor

The HVAC system you rely on for comfort is also your home’s most complex mechanical system, so it makes good sense to hire an experienced professional to give it the care it deserves. When you choose the best possible HVAC contractor, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands when you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or equipment upgrades.

How to Choose the Best HVAC Professional

Your HVAC contractor should have a good reputation in the area, provide top-notch customer service, and employ skilled, well-trained technicians. Finding the right contractor can take time, and it’s not a process you want to face in an emergency situation when you’re without heating or cooling. It’s wiser to start your search right away by taking the following steps:

• Get referrals and references. Contact local trade organizations and ask your neighbors, friends and co-workers for names of contractors they would recommend. Once you have several names, ask each contractor for references from previous customers. Follow up by phone to find out if they were satisfied with the work performed, and if it was completed on time and on budget.
• Check for affiliations and certifications. You’ll know a contractor stays up-to-date on the latest industry advancements if they’re a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). The company’s technicians should also have North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification, which shows they’ve passed rigorous independent testing on their skills and knowledge.
• Verify proper licensing and insurance. Reputable contractors will be licensed and protect their customers by having workers’ compensation and liability insurance policies in place.
• Request a home evaluation. Create a short list of contractors and ask them to visit your home to discuss your needs and concerns. HVAC contractors worth hiring should willingly inspect your home, current equipment and duct system. If you’re replacing or upgrading equipment, ask how it’s sized. A knowledgeable pro will assess your home and perform detailed calculations to accurately size new equipment.

For more tips on choosing the best HVAC contractor, contact the home comfort pros at CCAC. We’ve proudly served the Coastal Bend area since 1979.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about choosing an HVAC contractor and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

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