How To Pick A HVAC Contractor Chicago

Picking a contractor for your HVAC system needs in Chicago can be a daunting task.  However, there are some definite things you can do that will make deciding on a contractor an easier job.

The first thing you need to find out is if your HVAC contractor is insured.  Do NOT ever assume that all contractors are insured.  There are companies out there that are not insured, and if you anything goes wrong, you are liable!

Secondly, how long has the company been in business?   A company that just opened its doors last week may not be there if you ever need any HVAC repairs.  Companies that have been in business a while will have a track record you can follow up on. Don’t be afraid to ask for references.

Next, trust your gut.  If the contractor you are talking to makes you feel uneasy or stupid, this is not the HVAC contractor you are going to want to use.  You only want to let people you feel are trustworthy into your home.

You also do not want to use an HVAC contractor who is not willing to come to your home.  The contractor needs to check your current heating and cooling systems before they can tell you that you need a new furnace or air conditioning unit.  There is nothing worse than being sold a new furnace when you just needed a heating repair! They also need to make sure that you are going to get the most bang for your buck in a new furnace, and they need to do a load calculation to figure that out. A good contractor will not use your existing equipment to size your new heating or cooling system.

Does the HVAC Contractor represent a single brand or furnace manufacturer?  If so, your installer should have specialized training in the system.  They should know it like the back of their hand.  However, you will only get an estimate from that one brand which may or may not be a good fit for your home.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations.  If you read blogs, many of them will talk about businesses that treated them well (and some not so well).   Word of mouth is one of the most important forms of advertising.

Contact your local Better Business Bureau and find out if anyone has filed a complaint about the contractors you are considering. You don’t want to hire a furnace repair service that doesn’t fix complaints.

Is the HVAC contractor licensed? Where you live determines whether or not your HVAC contractor needs to be licensed. You need to find out if your state requires licensing (you may have a board you need to contact or the Department of Revenue) and find out if they have the appropriate licenses.

Lastly, is the contractor willing to give you a written estimate and/or contract? An oral agreement is hard to prove in the court of law if the contractor does not do what he told you he would. A good estimate/bid/proposal will include the equipment to be installed, the work to be done, and the price, including labor costs. If a contractor is not willing to do this, do NOT use them!

Hiring a HVAC contractor does not have to be a scary endeavor. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you choose your next HVAC contractor.

What criteria do you use to pick your HVAC Contractor?