Like most people this summer, you’ll likely be using your HVAC to stay cool and humidity-free inside your home. You may be looking for an HVAC service provider to do timely maintenance and repairs or install a new unit before the dog days of summer set in. To find the right contractor, have the right questions prepped beforehand. Keep reading to learn a few important questions to ask your HVAC service provider.

1. Which Types of Units Do You Offer?

There are several options to stay cool in your home. According to Payless Power, an online electrical resource, as many as 87% of American homes have air conditioning and 75% are central air units. The right unit for your home can depend on its size, the layout, how many levels it has, and how many people live there. For example, if you have several people with different sensitivities to temperature, people may want individual access to a unit's control in their rooms. If you have a service or home business, such as a rental, having individual control of AC and heat is essential. Central air can easily circulate air throughout the entire space. If you have a smaller space like an apartment, a window unit can sometimes suffice.

2. What Is Your Range of Service?

When you call your local HVAC service, make sure you get a good understanding of their service offerings. After all, you may be calling for repairs, but they may only be able to help you with a full installation. Many professionals can help you with preventative maintenance, and some of them also specialize in maintaining or replacing your duct system. Some contractors can handle both cooling and heating, while others deal with one or the other.

3. Can I Have a Written Estimate?

A written estimate gives you peace of mind that you're getting fair and transparent pricing for your HVAC services. A reputable professional shouldn't hesitate to give you such documentation. A written estimate gives you a breakdown of all the costs involved, such as materials, labor costs, warranties, taxes, and replacement parts. If you take the time to gather a few quotes from different HVAC contractors, you'll have more to compare and can possibly negotiate. A quality HVAC service will even be able to give you a free estimate.

4. May I Contact Some References?

Regardless of how professional an HVAC contractor appears, you should still do some form of background check on their services. In addition to checking online reviews, you should ask a serious contender for references. As long as the contractor has the experience they claim and maintains a good relationship with clients, they shouldn't hesitate to give you a few contacts. By calling a couple of references, you can rest assured that your HVAC service, particularly an HVAC replacement, is likely to go well. With the right installation, you can have a home feature that lasts for years. Therefore, it's worth contacting previous clients to get their opinion.

5. Is There a Warranty?

Your HVAC system can make your home more comfortable as long as it's functioning efficiently. However, even a new or reliable system can break down from time to time. That's why it helps to get a service that provides a warranty for your protection. After all, a warranty ensures you have coverage for unexpected repairs or replacements during the warranty's lifecycle. Different HVAC systems have various levels of complexity, and some may last longer than others. At least if any of these parts break down sooner than expected, you can be shielded from the cost and have the HVAC contractor come out to repair it. You can avoid having unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses, which can help you maintain your savings and invest money in other areas of your home.

In some cases, an HVAC warranty is transferable. If you decide to sell your property as many Americans may do over the summer, having additional protection in hand can make your property even more attractive to a potential buyer. Don't be afraid to ask about the potential warranty and its terms to see which one fits you.

6. How Long Have You Been in Business?

It's always a good idea to see how long a potential HVAC contractor has been in business. After all, the more years of experience they have, the better they can handle your HVAC service. They're also much more likely to have more references and reviews you can check. Your HVAC system is a vital part of your home network, and you don't want to run the risk of an amateur who doesn't know what they're doing.

7. Do You Do Emergency Service?

What happens if your HVAC system gives out unexpectedly? Summer is the worst time to be without proper AC cooling, as it can affect the health and safety of your family. After all, it's not uncommon for people to suffer from heat stroke during an especially hot day. Having access to a professional HVAC service can ensure you have fast care if needed. At the very least, find out what the general hours for the HVAC contractor are so you have an idea of how long it may take to get the fastest service available.

8. When Should I Call for Service Again?

If you're unsure about the signs of trouble your AC unit may be showing, you should ask your HVAC service for more insight. In general, if an AC unit is making too much noise, shows unreliable temperatures, or is affecting the air quality by making you sneeze and cough, you should call your HVAC service technician as soon as possible. They can give you further insight based on the unit that they install. When it comes to preventative care, you should always remember to regularly schedule your HVAC system inspection to ensure that it's operating at optimal performance. If you live in an area that has lots of air pollution and dust, you may need more frequent inspections and filter changes.

9. How Do I Handle Payment?

While your written estimate will give you a breakdown of costs, you'll also want to know how payment will take place. Some HVAC technicians may want payment upfront or may want part upfront and the other half when the project is done. In some cases, you may also get financing, which is helpful if you need an expensive full replacement. Some contractors also give special discounts to make the cost easier on your wallet.

As you can see, there are several questions you can ask your local HVAC service professional before beginning work. An HVAC system is a common feature of American homes, so you can easily find a contractor to serve you. Asking the right questions can ensure you find the best professional available. For quality care regarding air conditioning, heating, preventative maintenance, and duct replacement, look no further than our local team. Southern Comfort HVAC LLC has been in business for years and takes pride in keeping local homes comfortable, particularly during the hot summer months. Ask us any questions you have, including those about our available financing plans to make the costs easier on you. We look forward to hearing from you and are ready to do a free consultation at any time!