When interviewing an HVAC contractor for your business, it is important to consider the pros and cons of the company. The best way to do this is by finding out what specific services they offer and whether or not they have experience working with your type of climate. HVAC contractors also need to be insured in case of an accident or damage to property caused by their negligence or equipment malfunction. Asking the right questions before choosing a company will ensure that you get only the best service for your home or business.
Ask the contractor to show you some previous work they have done for similar sized buildings. It is important to choose a head contractor who has many years of experience working with both small and large commercial and residential units. For example, if your unit is several stories, you want a company that can complete the job quickly and efficiently. Also, when considering an HVAC contractor, request to view documentation they carry such as general liability coverage to protect both yourself and your employees.
Most residential customers request HVAC repairs and maintenance for the heating and cooling system, but smaller businesses may request repairs for appliances such as ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, heaters, and more. If your business has all these appliances, be prepared to have the contractor perform a complete exam on your system. He or she should be able to let you know exactly what needs to be done, and give you a quote without charging for the initial assessment. Large HVAC companies usually have their own technicians and are not usually available to do a quick assessment on your unit unless there is a problem with the entire building. Most small air conditioning repair companies charge a flat fee for one-time inspections and estimates, or a monthly rate.
When interviewing an HVAC contractor to do your central air conditioning unit or ductwork installation, you need to ask questions about his or her experience in installing HVAC systems. Some of the things you should ask include how many HVAC systems he or she has installed, and what type of installer was used. An experienced contractor should be able to identify problems with your existing ductwork and offer suggestions on how to make your HVAC system more efficient, such as removing old ductwork, sealing new ductwork, and adding insulation to prevent heat loss or excessive cold.For new HVAC installations, a good HVAC contractor should also know how to properly install and maintain ducts, including proper installation of insulation and vapor barriers. He or she should also have experience in troubleshooting and repairing ducts to ensure they are functioning properly. New HVAC units are often easier to install because they only require a simple thermal break through the valve to turn the heating and cooling systems on and off, and usually do not require any ductwork installation. Newer models may incorporate smarter technology that automatically turns the units on when the temperature reaches a pre-set temperature.
While your new ac unit will be set up with the most cutting edge features, it will still need routine maintenance from the installer. Some of the things you can expect your HVAC contractor to check on include replacing air filters, ensuring the right vapor barrier is in place in all areas of the building, and cleaning ductwork and seals on evaporator coils. Air filters can be replaced regularly to prevent particles from clogging the air passageways, preventing expensive repairs. A vapor barrier prevents dust, pollen, and dirt from entering the air conditioner unit, and also prevents small organisms from growing on coils. Proper maintenance of both an evaporator coil and air filter is necessary to prevent costly problems that may develop over time.