Posted in HVAC
If there’s a good thing to have when you need it, it’s a reputable HVAC company. Searching for a contractor during an emergency can lead to making hurried choices or installing the wrong type or size of system. You can avoid poor decisions by knowing a contractor you can count on for installation, repairs, and maintenance. Here are some professional tips for finding HVAC installation companies near you to trust throughout the life of your system.
Search the Internet for Reputable Contractors
You don’t have to go far to find reputable HVAC companies. Search for reputable “HVAC installation companies near me” and you should get a comprehensive list of providers in your area. Directories like Angi, HomeAdvisor, and others are likely to show up. They are good resources for finding reviews and ratings. When browsing companies, don’t only look at star ratings; read the write-ups to assess the reviewers’ experience with the company.
A trustworthy HVAC installer should have a website. You can obtain a lot of information about a contractor by browsing its site; as you’re doing so, check for and note relevant information such as:
- The company’s years in business
- The size of the company
- If it is licensed and insured
- Equipment and labor are warrantied
- Financing is available
- In-home estimates and evaluations are free
- Technicians are background-/criminal-checked
Obtain Referrals from People You Know
Asking a family member, close friend, neighbor, or colleague for a referral is one of the best methods of finding a trustworthy contractor. You’re likely to get an honest opinion and an in-depth account of the quality of the job. If they were happy with the work, it’s a good sign the company will serve your HVAC needs. However, if your confidant reveals they had a bad experience with a contractor, it’s a good sign to keep looking.
Another source of referrals is local trade organizations. Search for organizations in your area that have listings of local contractors. These businesses are likely qualified and meet the high standards of the industry and of the organization to which they belong.
Understand How Your HVAC System Works
A basic understanding of your HVAC system is beneficial when speaking with an AC technician. It can help explain the issue and narrow down its source. Air conditioning systems can be split systems, which have an evaporator coil above the furnace and an outdoor compressor unit. Central, mini-split, and ductless systems are common in homes too.
Unless you have a heat pump, the heating components of your HVAC system are different than those responsible for cooling your home. It helps to identify your furnace (plus its fuel source), boiler, or air source/geothermal unit. The ventilation system is also a major part of your HVAC system; it consists of ducts that move heated or cooled air and mechanical or electronic air filtration equipment.
Whether you need repairs or maintenance, knowing where these components are lets you point the technician in the right direction or at least determine if they know what they’re doing.
Contact the Company Directly
A direct interaction will help you know if you’ve found the best HVAC installation company near you. When you contact a local business, it’s important to know what to ask about. Here are some of the most important things to discuss:
- Licensing: Far too many HVAC service providers work without the proper licensure. In Oregon, HVAC technicians and contractors must be licensed by the state. License information is typically included on an HVAC service company’s website. Nonetheless, they should willingly show you proof of their license and insurance when asked for it.
- Service Contracts: If the contractor doesn’t mention it, ask about a service contract. Having a contract in place ensures your HVAC system will receive the proper care. It also outlines the services you’re paying for. Getting it in writing provides a binding agreement and protects your investment.
- Rebates/Tax Credits: Homeowners who install new heating and cooling equipment often qualify for federal or state rebates. Tax credits are also available to those who qualify for them. An experienced HVAC service provider is familiar with your options. They can give you the documentation needed to take advantage of opportunities to save.
Meet With at Least Three Separate Providers
If you’re looking for a long-term contractor, schedule an estimate with three companies. This might seem like a time-consuming process. However, it will pay off later. If you cut corners now, you could end up regretting it. Thorough research helps find the best company for your needs. Ask as many questions as you can, including about their specialties, experience, load calculation procedure, permits, and warranties.
Hire the Company for a Small Job
If you know your HVAC system doesn’t need a big repair, hire the contractor for a smaller gig. Perhaps it just needs a new contactor, an electrical connection tightened, or to be cleaned or tuned up. Take note of how the process goes from start to finish, including the technician’s promptness, communication, and professionalism. Do they clean up after the job? Does anyone from the company follow up after the visit?
Know What to Avoid
Avoid any HVAC service provider that does the following:
- Provides a bid over the phone
- Requests a down payment before starting service
- Presents a contract with long pages of tiny print
- Does not maintain its inventory
- Does not own the equipment it installs
Call Sky, A Trusted HVAC Installation Company in Portland
Sky Heating & Air Conditioning is a reputable heating and cooling system installation and HVAC maintenance company serving the Portland area. We’re committed to getting the job done right the first time. Customers trust us to put in the work and provide options tailored to their situation, while our community involvement has enabled us to improve not only our clients’ homes but the overall quality of life in the area. For help with HVAC installation or maintenance, call (503) 563-2698 today.
