You may not be aware, but your HVAC system is not just about giving you a comfortable home temperature during the sweltering summer heat and the dead winter. A well-designed HVAC can also improve the humidity levels and indoor air quality by removing or diluting airborne pollutants.
Asking the Right HVAC-related Questions
If your home is uncomfortably too hot or cold, or your HVAC system is no longer efficient (frequently breaks down and causes your energy consumption to spike up), it’s time to call a professional to do maintenance or perhaps install a new unit.
However, it is important to ask the right questions before signing up for an HVAC service. The goal here is to determine if the contractor is the right fit for you and avoid misunderstandings and confusion, especially regarding payment and warranty.
Here is our list of top 10 questions you need to ask your HVAC contractor:
Do you offer a technology that can neutralize COVID-19?
With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes even more important to neutralize the virus and other pollutants found in the indoor air. (FYI, most coronavirus infections occur through air transmission rather than spreading through the surface.)
Make sure that you only work with an HVAC contractor that remains up-to-date with the latest technology such as the REME HALO in-duct air purifier, which studies have shown to neutralize not just the coronavirus but other pathogens like bacteria and mold spores.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency services?
It’s nice to work with an HVAC company that provides a complete solution that includes a 24/7 emergency service.
What size or capacity system do I need for my home?
Professionals use certain calculations to determine the ideal size for your heating and air conditioning system. Take note that the HVAC capacity is one of the factors that affect the cost of the installation, repair, and tune-up.
Do you provide energy assessment?
Opt for a contractor that provides energy assessment, allowing you to determine where air leaks occur and how to reduce your energy costs. For instance, Sharpline Mechanical advises some of their clients to have a thermal upgrade to make their home energy efficient.
What services or advice can you recommend to reduce my energy consumption?
If your house has multiple air leaks or is not adequately insulated, even the most energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems are not enough to lower your electricity bill. For this reason, some contractors include insulation in their service to cover all their clients’ needs.
Are you a licensed HVAC company? Also, do your technicians have certifications and proper training?
Choose a contractor with all the necessary work permits and approvals from local authorities and recognized license-giving groups.
What’s included and excluded in the project quote?
Reputable contractors are always transparent with their clients, which starts by giving them detailed estimates and reasonable rates for their installation, repairs, and maintenance. They also mention if the clean-up and other “adjunct” services are included in the project quote.
When you sign up with an honest, transparent HVAC contractor, you don’t need to worry about hidden costs and other surprises.
What is the timetable for the project?
A good contractor will make every effort to complete their project on time or even earlier than anticipated.
What brands do you offer and why?
Ask the reasons why they choose to carry certain brands and exclude others. For example, do they base it on the unit’s energy efficiency, the manufacturer’s warranty and reputation, or popularity among consumers?
Do you offer a guarantee for your service?
Choose a contractor that offers a labor warranty, which indicates that they have confidence in their work. For instance, Sharpline Mechanical, one of Northern California’s leading HVAC experts, offers an installation warranty.
