8 Important Questions to Ask Your HVAC Installer

If you’re a property owner, you know that finding the right contractor for your commercial or residential HVAC installation is essential. The contractor you choose will ultimately impact the price, quality, and function of your HVAC system. They should also serve as a trusted guide throughout your HVAC ownership.

If you’re new to HVAC ownership, you may feel overwhelmed by the terminology, costs, and considerations involved in installing an HVAC system. Fortunately, choosing a competent HVAC professional can help you find answers to your questions. Your HVAC technician can also facilitate your transition into HVAC ownership.

At Gladiator Services, we go beyond being trusted HVAC technicians in Ramsey, NJ, and surrounding areas. We work to benefit our community by helping property owners make informed decisions before, during, and after the hiring process. Our goal is to help you build the commercial or residential property of your dreams.

In this blog, we discuss eight essential questions to ask your HVAC installer before hiring them or beginning a project. To learn more about what to expect from the HVAC installation process, contact our friendly staff today.

Essential Questions to Ask Your HVAC Installer

#1: Which Licensing and Certifications Does Your Company Hold?

Experience makes all the difference when it comes to HVAC contractor service. One of the best ways to gauge your HVAC installer’s expertise is to ask them about their credentials. Specifically, you should ask them about the licenses and certifications held by their team members.

Beyond skill, a lack of proper licensing may indicate potential legal issues. Safeguard yourself and your property by ensuring all potential HVAC technicians hold the necessary licensing.

#2: Does Your Team Have Liability Insurance?

Insurance helps HVAC contractors protect themselves and their clients. In many cases, the law requires some form of liability insurance before a contractor can perform select services. Regardless, a valid and current liability insurance policy signifies that your HVAC contractor takes their work seriously.

To save time and avoid stress, ask about a contractor’s liability insurance. The best time to ask this question is during the initial phone call before scheduling an estimate.

#3: Which HVAC Systems Do You Recommend?

Figuring out the best HVAC brands and system designs for your home or business should be a conversation, not a bidding war. The right contractor might start the conversation for you. If not, be sure to ask about system recommendations.

Experienced contractors have most likely installed, repaired, and maintained several different brands and styles of HVAC systems throughout their careers. As a result, they’ll be able to tell you which brands can meet your budget and indoor temperature control needs, and why.

#4: How Can I Improve My Energy Efficiency?

Today’s engineers design HVAC systems with energy efficiency in mind. A great time for property owners to capitalize on these new technologies is during new heating and cooling system installation.

Try to choose an HVAC contractor with experience in newer HVAC technology. These professionals can recommend smart thermostats and other advanced features. These devices will help keep your indoor spaces comfortable without breaking your budget.

#5: What’s Included in the Project Quote?

Once you’ve vetted a contractor’s insurance and licenses, it’s time to schedule an estimate. In most cases, your HVAC installer will ask about your home or business’ heating and cooling needs. They may also evaluate the target space and other factors that will impact the scope and price of your installation.

Next, the contractor will give you a project quote. This quote should be an accurate estimate of what the labor, materials, and other project elements will cost.

To protect your budget and your property, always ask what’s included in any quote offered by an HVAC contractor. A legitimate and trustworthy contractor won’t leave you in the dark about the cost of services, materials, or other HVAC installation needs.

#6: How Can I Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Seasoned HVAC professionals know how to spot hidden issues that can drastically reduce the indoor air quality in your home or business. As a result, they know the steps a property owner can take to avoid those issues.

Ask your HVAC installer which upgrades, changes, or services might help improve the air quality in your home or business. If they have no recommendations or can’t determine the issue, try seeking a second opinion.

#7: Can You Explain the SEER Rating System?

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It sounds self-explanatory, but many complex factors go into determining these ratings. Choosing an HVAC unit with a good SEER rating can significantly improve your property's energy efficiency and indoor comfort. 

Ask your HVAC installer to explain the different SEER ratings of available HVAC models. These experts will help you choose a unit with an excellent rating. Your installer can also help you stay within your installation budget.

#8: Do You Offer a Maintenance Plan?

Finally, one of the most critical questions to ask your HVAC installer is whether or not they offer maintenance services.

A professionally installed HVAC system may not exhibit any obvious issues for many years. Behind the scenes, however, lurks an ugly truth: dust and other organic material can build up inside air ducts and HVAC systems, compromising their function.

Regular HVAC maintenance, when performed by a qualified professional, is an affordable way to keep your indoor environments comfortable. Inspections also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. Ask your HVAC installer if they offer routine maintenance as part of their services.

Reach Out to an HVAC Contractor You Can Trust

At Gladiator Services, we know which questions to ask your HVAC installer because we’re seasoned experts who serve our community. We help our New Jersey neighbors make informed decisions about the care and construction of their homes and businesses.

HVAC services aren’t the only contracted services a property owner might need in Ramsey, NJ. To  learn about the factors to consider when hiring a plumber, call us today at 201-903-9784.