By Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland
With fall and winter approaching, contractors are beginning to promote their services to help you prepare for the colder months. As demand for furnace maintenance, air duct cleaning, and heat pump servicing can increase during this time, now is a good opportunity to get ahead on winterizing your home.
When hiring an HVAC contractor consider the following tips to find a trustworthy contractor:
- Do your research
When choosing an HVAC professional, look for the Sign of a Better Business. It’s earned by BBB Accredited Businesses and signifies their commitment to trust and transparency. BBB’s free Business Directory was designed to give consumers what they need to make a confident decision when choosing a contractor.
You can also search for a company’s online reputation beyond using the BBB Directory. Search the brand name with terms such as “complaint,” “review,” or “scam” to see what results appear.
- Review previous work
As you continue zeroing in on the right contractor for your project, look into their previous work. This gives you insight into their experience and professionalism, and it might even provide fresh inspiration for your project. View photos or videos of a company’s completed project on their BBB Profile, website, or social media channels. Ask prospective contractors to email or text you recent project photos that share similarities with your needs. - Ask for references
Ask candidates for a list of recent local references you may contact. As you check their references, consider asking questions including: How was the overall experience with the contractor? How was the contractor’s communication? How is the quality of their work? Did the contractor stick to the project’s estimated budget and completion date? Is there anything they would have done differently? Would it be possible to inspect the contractor’s work yourself?
You can also ask the business about training, certifications, and background checks for the company employees or subcontractors. Additionally, inquire about what kind of identification they’ll show when they arrive at your home.
- Ask for multiple quotes
Contractor bids can vary from company to company, it’s good practice to gather at least three quotes for a project. Once you’ve narrowed the field, make sure your bids consider the same set of criteria to get a fair side-by-side snapshot.
Remember, the lowest bid may not necessarily be the best bid; if one offer is significantly lower than the others, the contractor may be cutting corners or may not understand your work requirements. Alternately, higher bids might include an emergency budget or even different tiers of service. Carefully consider the “why” behind these bids before making a final decision.
- Get everything in writing
Before any work begins, ensure a written and signed contract is in hand. Even before the contracts are drawn up, get estimates in writing as well so no questions are hanging when you decide to move forward. - Verify your contractor’s license and insurance
Ensure that the company you work with has the necessary licenses and insurance to operate in your region. You can get this information from the state’s licensing agency.
As for your contractor’s insurance information, call the carrier to confirm appropriate coverage for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability. The last thing you want is to be on the hook for costs related to unforeseen circumstances or accidents.
Contact a Heating and Air Conditioning contractor to ensure you’re in good shape heading into the winter. Find additional HVAC tips and resources at BBB’s HVAC HQ.
If you are looking to complete another home improvement project at the same time you do maintenance? BBB’s HomeHQ page. Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.241.7678 or [email protected].
