Selecting an HVAC contractor is an important decision that you shouldn’t decide upon without doing some homework to be sure you’re making the right choice.

First, select a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and actually listen to you. With that information, they should be able to present up to four options from which you can pick.

When they schedule your installation, is it when you want it done, or when they can fit you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will ensure it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not a DIY job and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in a number of areas, from load calculation to piping and a lot of steps in between. You could get the best system, but if it’s not installed correctly you may not get ideal performance.

Here are some other questions to help you make the best selection while researching your HVAC contractor.

Do they have NATE-Certification?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have verified their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and thorough tests developed by a committee of industry authorities. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will provide you peace of mind knowing your contractor has finished intense professional training.

Do you have access to references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can chat with and verify the quality of their company’s work. Call their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend the company.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to read the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll view any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a nonprofit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be dedicated to their profession and will be able to give referrals for previous work.

Another way is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are normally the most valuable recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk to and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors rely on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust stands by them it’s likely they’ll do reliable work for you too.

Do you know if they’re licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but nearly all of them do. It’s easy to search online to determine if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when getting quotes from a contractor. The reason most states require licenses is simply to protect you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.

If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably best to look elsewhere to help get around any potential issues.

When should you ask about these questions?

The best time to ask questions and choose an HVAC contractor is right now, before something goes wrong with your system. Get your furnace checked out while it’s running as usual and schedule your routine maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Kapaun & Brown in Marshalltown. Our HVAC professionals would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 641-812-2028. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.