Selecting an HVAC contractor is an important decision that you shouldn’t decide upon without doing some research to make certain you’re making the best choice.

First, select a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and more important, listen to you. With that tidbit, they should be able to offer up to four options from which you can choose.

When they schedule your installation, is it when you wish to have it done, or when they can squeeze you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will make sure that it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not a do-it-yourself affair and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in a number of areas, from load calculation to piping and a lot of steps in between. You could get the highest rated system, but if it’s installed incorrectly you may not get top-of-the-line performance.

Here are a few other questions to help you make the best selection while finding your HVAC contractor.

Do they have NATE-Certification?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have verified their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and rigorous tests developed by a committee of industry professionals. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will give you peace of mind knowing your contractor has finished intense professional training.

Do you have access to references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company will be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can chat with and tell you about the quality of their company’s work. Chat with their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend them to you.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to read the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll be shown any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a nonprofit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be serious about their trade and will be able to give referrals for previous work.

Another option is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are usually the most beneficial recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk with and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors rely on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust recommends them it’s likely they’ll do reliable work for you too.

Are they properly licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but practically all of them do. It’s easy to search online to find out if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when getting quotes from a contractor. The reason most states require licenses is simply to guard you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.

If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably better to look elsewhere to help circumvent any potential issues.

When do I bring up these questions?

The best time to ask questions and pick an HVAC contractor is right now, before something occurs with your system. Get your furnace inspected while it’s operating normally and set up your yearly maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at James Heating & A/C, Inc in Lexington. Our HVAC experts would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 336-853-6070. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.