Right heating and cooling contractor

Right heating and cooling contractor

Whether you want to schedule an annual equipment maintenance check-up or you’ve decided that you need to purchase and install a new heating or cooling equipment, you will need to hire the right contractor for the job. The following information will help you pick a reputable contractor and ensure you know what needs to be stated in a signed agreement with the contractor before the work begins.

Both you and your contractor should sign a written proposal before the work gets started. The agreement or proposal should:

• List in detail all the work that is being contracted and show you a layout of where the equipment is going to be installed
• Specify all products by quantity, name, model number, and energy ratings
• Provide manufacturer’s warranty, equipment documentation, and contractor installation warranty information (if applicable)
• Give the payment schedule
• State the scheduled start and completion date
• Describe how disputes will be resolved
• State the contractor’s liability insurance and licenses if required
• Outline paperwork and permits needed for the project
• Knowing what to look for in a contractor and what needs to be agreed to before work begins will save you a lot of headache and ensure that the finished product is what you wanted

A reputable contractor should

• Perform an on-site inspection of the work you want to be completed and provide a detailed bid in a timely manner
• Inspect your attic insulation and make recommendations if needed. Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of an insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type
• Demonstrate to you that the company is licensed and insured to repair and install heating and cooling equipment (many states require this)
• Be able to provide his/her certification for refrigerant handling required since 1992
  Have several years of experience in this business in your community
• Provide examples of quality installation of energy-efficient heating and/or cooling equipment work, with names of customers that you can contact
• Complete and submit the warranty information card on your behalf
• Leave all equipment manuals and provide documentation of installation procedures, including sizing calculations, AHRI certificate, and records of any measurements or testing
• Clearly explain the benefits of regular maintenance and help you set up a schedule to keep your system operating at its best