HVAC is an abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. We use this abbreviation when we describe an entire air conditioning and heating system.

The average installation will take around eight hours to install. Unless some unforeseen issue arises, we should be done in one day.

For your new system to function, it needs to be sized for your home. Your contractor will perform a manual J calculation, also called a load calculation. This considers various factors about your home. They include issues related to heat loss, heat gain, and efficiency. Measurements are taken. Construction and features of the house are considered. This info will help your contractor determine the capacity needed for a new system. There are other needs to facilitate the new system install. These include ductwork installation or sealing to improve energy efficiency.

If a contractor offers a quote over the phone, you cannot know that the system is the right size for your home. Before choosing a contractor, ask if a load calculation was performed. Ask why the contractor has recommended the specific model and heating or cooling equipment. Is its capacity right for your home?

When it’s time to complete your installation, the contractor will handle the job. You’ll need to schedule the installation. Make sure your contractor has access to the installation area. Most furnaces are installed in the home. You should be home on installation day to allow the contractor into your home. When installing air conditioner or heat pump exterior units, ensure your contractor has access to the area. Unlock gates and clear away brush and debris.

Really, that’s all you need to do. Your contractor will handle the actual installation of equipment. They will make sure the new system is connected correctly to perform as you expect.

Are you licensed and insured?

Almost every state requires HVAC technicians to be licensed. If they’re not, you shouldn’t hire them to work on your system. Make sure to ask your technician if they are licensed. Grab the license number from them. You can then look it up through your state contractor licensing board. Additionally, it’s good to make sure they’re insured. This is just in case something goes wrong while they’re working in your home. Ask if their company has both worker’s compensation and liability insurance, just in case.

How much experience do you have in the industry?

Have they been working in the HVAC industry for a long time? Are they new? Knowing the experience of an HVAC installer will help you hire them. Besides, consider asking how they learned their skills. If you have a specific brand or type of system, determine if they have experience with that as well.

Can you provide references from past customers?

Almost every HVAC technician will give you a written estimate. It will explain what work will be done and how much it will cost. Yet, it’s essential to get references, too. Talking to past customers can give you a good idea of how the technician works. If they can’t or won’t provide references or reports from other customers, that’s a bad sign. You should most likely hire a different technician.

How do refunds, warranties, and guarantees work?

Your current system may be under warranty. A good HVAC technician will follow the contract terms. Or, you may be past warranty, in which case they should give you a new guarantee in writing. It’s also good to ask about how refunds work. Make sure that you hire a reputable company that installs the equipment correctly. You can’t get your money back should the repair not last in most cases. But, a reputable company will work with you to find a solution.

In addition, energy and cost efficiency are also important to many homeowners. If it’s something important to you and you want to know more, bring it up with the technician. Find out their recommendations.

You don’t have to be an expert on HVAC systems to find a good technician. With these tips, you can hire the best person for the job. It will ensure your system runs and efficiently. These tips keep your home comfortable and save you money.

What to Expect When Hiring an HVAC Technician

You have invested a lot into your HVAC system. It is essential to make sure it’s working right and running. The key to an HVAC system’s health? Regular maintenance. But, not every homeowner knows what a maintenance visit entails. Have a technician coming soon to check on your HVAC system and perform maintenance?

When your air conditioner or furnace needs to be repaired or replaced, the most important decision is how to choose the right HVAC contractor.

1. Ask for referrals. Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals. Or, let HVAC.com connect you with a pre-screened local contractor for free!
2. Go online and look up contractors in your area and read their customer ratings and reviews. Happy customers are a good sign.
3. Check the contractor’s website. Read each contractor’s website. How long have they been in business? Are they professional? Do their company values and culture resonate with you? Are these the kind of people you want to invite into your home?
4. Call References. Ask contractors for customer references and call them. Ask about the contractor’s installation or service performance, and if the job was completed on time and within budget.
5. Find Special Offers. A heating and cooling system is one of the largest purchases you’ll make as a homeowner. Keep your costs down by checking around for available rebates on energy-efficient qualified heating and cooling equipment.
6. Expect a Home Evaluation. The contractor should spend significant time inspecting your current system and home to assess your needs. Does he ask good questions to make sure to address your needs?
7. Get written itemized quotes. When comparing contractors’ proposals (bids), be sure to compare cost, warranties, system features, and energy efficiency. The lowest up-front price may not be the best deal if it’s not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher for the life of the system.