Your HVAC system is a big part of what makes your home habitable and comfortable. This realization becomes apparent when the HVAC system malfunctions.
It is advisable to hire a professional technician whenever your HVAC breaks down, no matter how handy you may be. A quick search of the phrase”HVAC near me” will yield hundreds of results. However, you should be warned that many quacks are posing as professional HVAC technicians – and they may make the problem worse!
As a smart homeowner, you should settle for nothing but the best for your haven. Before you give the OK, ask the following questions to determine whether the HVAC technician is fit for the job:
- Can I see your qualifications?
Anyone can masquerade as a qualified HVAC contractor, so request to see the technician’s qualifications as proof of their legitimacy. Expect to see an authentic license issued by the state and other relevant authorities; every technician should have a valid gas license.
A valid license is a good start, but it is not enough to remove all doubt. As such, go a step further and ask to see whether the technician is certified; they should have a valid TSSA Contractor Registration number. Finally, and importantly, ask the contractors for proof of insurance; this will ensure that they are held accountable for any damage during repair/maintenance.
An unqualified technician, no matter how handy, may do shoddy work that will only temporarily fix the problem – and likely lead to worse problems down the road.
- Do you have experience with my particular HVAC system?
There are dozens of types of HVAC units, and some are more complex and sophisticated than others. Ideally, a competent HVAC technician should have experience with all types. Nevertheless, ask your technician whether they are familiar with your particular system, especially if it is one of the newer, technologically designed, and more sophisticated versions.
- Do you offer free estimates?
Once you are sure of your HVAC technician’s legitimacy, you can proceed to tackle the underlying problem. In this case, the technician will inspect your HVAC system and diagnose the issue. This is all fine, but don’t commit yourself to the deal before knowing how much it will cost you.
It is standard practice for HVAC contractors to offer free estimates, but some do not. As such, find out whether the option is available before giving the go-ahead.
- Is there anything I could do to prevent this?
What is the problem with your HVAC system? Could it have anything to do with you? If so, what are you doing wrong, and what should you do to remedy it to avoid more complications in the future? Your technician should be able to pinpoint the problem and offer pointers on how to best care for your HVAC unit. The technician can even recommend newer and more efficient types of HVAC systems in case your current unit isn’t worth the cost of maintenance.
- How often should I get maintenance for my HVAC system?
Experts recommend scheduling periodic maintenance checks for your HVAC system to keep it working at peak performance. Lack of regular maintenance increases the chance of complications occurring; it also runs the risk of having your warranty nulled and voided.
In essence, request your HVAC technician for a suitable maintenance program based on their system analysis. It would also help if your technician could provide a maintenance contract with a clear maintenance schedule, so look for HVAC near me contractors.
