As 2021 begins, we’re all looking to start it on the right foot. If you’re looking to make a change, why not start with your HVAC contractor? Below, we’ve included some of our best tips for choosing one that is right for your company!
Determine how long the company has been in business
When choosing a company to carry out something as significant as an HVAC installation, it’s important that you’re able to find out a bit about their history. How long have they been in business? Do they have a good reputation locally among other HVAC companies? Are they the best company for heating and cooling near you?
The best indicator for the quality of a business will always be the range of experience they have under their belt. Every installation will be different, depending on the size and shape of the building (among other factors), meaning it’s crucial that any hired contractors have a broad range of experience to draw on. You never know what surprises your project might have in store.
Ensure technicians are experienced and receive regular training
It’s not only important that the company itself has a background in HVAC installation, but also that each individual technician has received the right credentials and qualifications to successfully carry out their services.
When interacting with the company, be sure to ask them for a run-down of the technicians who will be on the team working on your project. Are they an in-house team, or are some sub-contractors? Are they licensed and if so, what qualifications have they attained?
Don’t be afraid of seeming rude when asking this kind of question — an improperly installed or maintained HVAC system can be exceptionally expensive and any contractor worth their salt will understand.
Don’t always pick the lowest bidder
Construction projects are expensive, no doubt. And when reviewing your budget, it is tempting to listen to the team who is offering you the lowest price for the most work.
Aside from concerns about the quality of the work that this team might carry out, you should also always consider the chances that they might end up going overtime or over your budget. Contractors who offer very low prices are usually making up for this deficit by taking on multiple contracting jobs at the same time. While they may be experienced and they may complete the job on time, these contractors will more often than not be working on very tight time-frames and therefore might not be willing to pay the care and attention to the job that it deserves.
Ask for referrals
We can’t emphasize this one enough. More than in almost any other industry, reputation is key for trade-work such as HVAC installation.
When you find yourself looking for HVAC companies near you, it’s crucial that you have an idea of how they stand amongst the competition, even if it means you pay a little more. With a reliable referral, you can determine not only what kind of quality to expect at the end of the job, but also what you might be able to expect on-site (including whether or not they are clean, discreet, punctual, etc.).
Any contractor who is hesitant to provide you with at least two referrals — without very good reason — should be considered suspicious. On the flip-side, you can be sure that a contractor who has reliable referrals will be ready to go as soon as you ask for them.
Once you have the referrals in place, be sure to follow up with them as well. Be sure to make an effort to contact the references and ask them what their memory of the contractor in question is like, how long ago their system was fitted and if it has it given them any trouble since. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Contact Service Express Today
At Service Express, we pride ourselves on providing an extensive and streamlined service, with a dedicated team of qualified technicians and engineers who are keen to help residents all across the GTA.
Book an appointment or give us a call at 416-637-1678 today!