The moment you start feeling the least bit uncomfortable in your home, it’s time to call in an HVAC specialist. In a perfect world you’ll have had yearly inspections on your system, which would prevent you from ever having to feel too hot or too cold indoors.

However, if and when your HVAC system dies or begins to break down, you need to know what questions to ask your HVAC contractor to ensure you get the best possible solution for your specific heating and cooling needs.

To make it easier for you, we’ve outlined the 8 most important questions homeowners and business owners throughout Raleigh, NC and Chesapeake, VAshould ask their potential contractors, to help you decide who’s the right person for the job.

1. How long have you been in business?

Why does this question matter? Because you don’t want to hire a contractor who’s just jumped into the business. While these newcomers to the scene are likely to charge less for their services, they won’t have the on-the-job training necessary to help you save money on your project. An experienced HVAC contractor might find ways to delay having to replace a system, or will be able to locate tremendous savings on certain HVAC models for you to benefit from.

2. Are you licensed to do the job?

Every HVAC contractor should be licensed – both regionally and statewide – to perform services for homes and businesses. Don’t just ask the question; demand that you see their licenses. This could save you money and headaches in the future.

3. Do you offer any type of warranty?

Let’s be clear here: If you’re replacing your HVAC system, your new system will have its own warranty. That’s not what we’re talking about. You want your contractor to deliver a few promises and guarantees as well. For example, we here at Comfort First have not just one, but six guarantees we promise to our clients.

4. Can we talk with past clients?

It’s one thing to be impressed with the way a company talks about itself. It’s another thing to hear the praises of that company from past clients.

The only way to truly know how good an HVAC contractor in NC or VA is, is to hear it straight from the homeowners and business owners they’ve worked with. Be wary of those contractors who aren’t willing to put you in contact with past clients.

Sure, testimonials help, but there’s nothing like hearing the experiences someone else has had with a contractor.

5. Are there any rebates, offers, or tax credits I can claim?

Your HVAC contractor should do more than repair or replace your system. He or she should help you find ways to save money whenever, and wherever you can. That includes matching you with a system that’s eligible for certain rebates or tax credits, if possible.

6. Do you have the right tools for the job? Prove it!

Make sure your HVAC contractor has an insured van that’s stocked with the specific tools needed to get the job done.

7. Do you offer after-hours services?

Choosing an HVAC contractor is about so much more than just one project. Your HVAC system needs ongoing maintenance, inspections, and repairs to continue to run optimally and to extend its life cycle.

Ideally you’ll find a contractor you can turn to throughout the future. But if that contractor doesn’t offer after-hour services, what good is that? Your heating and cooling systems can fail at any time, including on holidays or in the middle of night. We strongly urge you to hire a contractor who can and will respond to calls quickly and efficiently.

8. What type of fine print do you have with your contracts?

The correct answer, of course, is NONE. You shouldn’t have to worry about contracts that force you into long-term maintenance agreements without your clear consent. This tactic could be a sign of how this contractor conducts his business in general.

You don’t want someone with tricks hidden up their sleeves. You want a contractor who believes in transparency, every step of the way.

Choose Your HVAC Contractor Wisely

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of HVAC contractors scattered throughout Raleigh and Chesapeake. How do you know which one is the best fit for your project?

While reading online reviews is a great place to start, you also want to ask the right types of questions to the contractorsyou’ve chosen to interview. Start with these 8 questions, but if you need more help and support, we encourage you to reach out to the Comfort First team today.