Heating and air conditioning systems make life bearable during extreme weather. When winter arrives, a well-tuned furnace will keep the entire house warm and comfy. The commercial furnace at the office or business premise will also make the environment comfortably and conducive for doing business. When summer sets in, temperatures usually rise to unhealthy levels. During the hot summer months, staying indoors can be almost impossible. Fortunately, air conditioning systems are designed to provide space cooling by extracting heat from a room and pumping it outside. Whenever you need heating or space-cooling services, it is recommended you hire an experienced a/c installation company to assess your heating and cooling needs and install the right equipment.

Importance of Hiring a Competent A/C Installer

Hiring a professional is always recommended as this can guarantee quality results. Professionals are aware of all the building codes as well as industry best practices, so they are in a position to discharge their duties competently. They are also less likely to make mistakes. A competent installer will size your unit properly and install the new air conditioner or heater accordingly. In addition to that, they’ll offer a warranty on both parts and labor. If anything does not work as expected, you can call back the contractor to fix your system at no extra cost.

When to Call an A/C Contractor

– Routine Maintenance: Air conditioners and furnaces need to be serviced after every couple of months to ensure they perform optimally and prevent future breakdowns. Air conditioners should be serviced in Spring when you’re doing your Spring cleaning. Furnaces, on the other hand, should be serviced in Fall when you’re preparing for the cold Winter months.

– A/C Repairs: HVAC equipment, just like other types of machines, usually break down for one reason or another. While regular maintenance can help to prevent breakdowns, your system can still break down. When this happens, you should call a competent A/C contractor to fix your unit.

– A/C Replacement: As your heating or cooling system ages, it becomes less efficient and may start breaking down more often. It may also become unsafe to use an aged unit. For this reason, you should hire a competent a/c installer to inspect your unit and advise you accordingly. If a replacement is required, the contractor will help you identify a more suitable unit to install in your home or office.

Factors to Consider When Hiring an A/C Installer

1. Licensing

There are many HVAC contractors in every major city around the country. Most of these firms claim to be the best in the region, but this is rarely the case. You’ll have to do some research to identify the best contractor for your needs. Start by only shortlisting licensed a/c installers. These firms have met all the legal and professional requirements, so they are able to offer high-quality services. They also adhere to the law and industry best practices when serving clients. Therefore, licensed contractors offer better value for money.

2. Experience

It is important you compare the experiences of the contractors on your list because experience usually helps to build competence. This means that the most experienced contractors are usually more competent. By checking the number and types of a/c installation jobs handled by a company over the years, you can easily decide whether or not they are the right firm to take care of your home comfort needs.

3. Insurance and Bond

Consumers should never hire professionals or companies that do not carry general liability insurance as this will be exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. The ideal firm should also have a suitable bond. By checking insurance and bond, you will be able to protect yourself from a wide range of risks. All the top a/c installers are insured and bonded, but you still need to confirm the validity of their policies.

4. Cost

Pricing is crucial, but it’s better you spend a little bit more money to get higher-quality services. For this reason, you should only consider cost once you’ve identified a competent contractor. There is a lot of competition in the industry, so the cost comparison can help you find the most affordable contractor for your needs.

5. Reputation

Experienced contractors usually have a reputation, either good or bad. It is crucial you read reviews and compare ratings to learn about the reputation of the shortlisted firms as this can help you make an informed decision. Firms that are known to be reliable, efficient and responsive should get special consideration as they offer value for money. Be sure to also give special consideration to firms that offer guarantees.