While the majority of HVAC companies and contractors have your best interests at heart, there are a few you should be sure to avoid. Below is a basic rundown of three different types of contractors and why you should avoid them at all costs.
Contractor #1: Wants to Install a System Too Large for Your Home
While a larger system may heat your home quicker than a smaller system, there are many issues that can result. While this contractor may think they're doing you a favor, any contractor worth their weight knows why this is not a good idea.
A heating system too large for your home may cycle on and off frequently – this occurs because the home heats up quickly, but because the system didn't need to run for long, the heat dissipates just as quickly. This means the system will be kicking on more often than not, trying to satisfy the thermostat's set temperature. This can significantly shorten the life of your system and increase your energy costs.
Contractor #2: Gives You an Estimate without Visiting Your Home
There are a lot of factors that will determine your home's BTU needs. These include square footage, number of rooms, number of outside walls, and age of the house.
Without a proper walkthrough, an HVAC contractor cannot even begin to know what your home's heating and cooling needs are. There are many problems that can occur as a result of this issue. These include a too big or too small system for your home, as well as price and project scope changes. A contractor who is more than eager to give you an estimate over the phone is inexperienced at best and desperate for your business at worst.
Contractor #3: Gives You a Hard Time about Asking Questions and Voicing Concerns
The installation and maintenance of a heating and cooling system is a big job. It takes time and it costs money, and you may have hundreds of questions running through your mind about the process.
When interviewing potential contractors, it's important to gauge how they react to questions, and whether they take your concerns seriously or blow them off. You're trusting this professional to install something in your home that is necessary for your family's health and comfort – while it's important that they know what they're doing, it's also important that they treat you with patience and respect.
Finding the right contractor to install and maintenance your HVAC system can take a lot of time and effort, but it will be worth it all in the end. Avoid the three above mentioned contractors, and you'll be well on your way to finding a professional, experienced contractor who will take your needs seriously, and who knows exactly what your family and your home needs. To learn more about heating repair, contact Wm Jean Electric Co.
