Picking an HVAC contractor is an important decision that you shouldn’t decide upon without doing some homework to be sure you’re making the right choice.

First, select a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and actually listen to you. With that information, they should be able to show you up to four options from which you can select.

When they arrange your installation, is it when you want to have it done, or when they can fit you in? Will your contractor pull a permit on every job? Doing so will ensure it meets all of your local codes.

HVAC system installation is not a DIY job and a successful installation requires a contractor that is skilled in a variety of areas, from load calculation to piping and a bunch of steps in between. You could get the top-of-the-line system, but if it’s installed incorrectly you may not get the best performance.

Here are a couple other questions to help you make the best decision while searching for your HVAC contractor.

Are they NATE-certified?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have proven their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and rigorous tests developed by a committee of industry experts. NATE-certified contractors have met the highest industry standards for knowledgeable installation and service. NATE certification will offer you peace of mind knowing your contractor has undergone intense professional training.

Can they provide references or referrals?

A professional HVAC company should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers that you can chat with and confirm the quality of their company’s work. Call their list of references and ask about their project and if they’d recommend them to you.

There are also official sources online such as the Better Business Bureau and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). The BBB allows you to look at the consumer ratings of an HVAC contractor and you’ll view any customer complaints against a company. The ACCA is a nonprofit organization of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses. Contractors found on ACCA are sure to be dedicated to their work and will be able to provide referrals for previous work.

Another option is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are usually the most useful recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk to and which contractors to avoid. If you’re on nextdoor.com you can literally ask for recommendations from people right next door. Contractors rely on positive word-of-mouth, so if someone you trust recommends them it’s likely they’ll do great work for you too.

Have you verified they’re licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but practically all of them do. It’s easy to search online to find out if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when getting quotes from a contractor. The reason most states require licenses is simply to protect you from using a company that uses less than qualified workers.

If you live in a state that requires licenses and the contractor you’re talking to doesn’t have one, it’s probably best to look elsewhere to help get around any potential problems.

When is the best time to ask these questions?

The best time to ask questions and choose an HVAC contractor is right now, before something occurs with your system. Get your furnace looked at while it’s working properly and arrange your routine maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Forster Heating in Auburn. Our HVAC experts would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 530-885-8081. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.