It’s no secret that both air conditioners and heating systems are an integral part of any home in Brooklyn. They can make or break your summers and winters. They’re also a significant priority when it comes to home purchases and remodeling projects. That means you’ll need a good Brooklyn HVAC contractor at some point. When that time comes, finding the right company and the right system can be a daunting task.
Finding a reliable, affordable HVAC contractor doesn’t have to be complicated. There are many HVAC service contractors out there today, making homeowners in Brooklyn feel as if they are searching for a needle in a haystack when looking for the best HVAC contractor.
The best solution to this problem is to evaluate what contractors offer their customers; we’ve compiled a list of several things every homeowner should look for when hiring an HVAC contractor.
6 Things to Consider When Looking for the Best HVAC Contractor in Brooklyn
Below are some of the most important factors to consider when finding the right HVAC contractor.
- Check if the Contractor is Licensed
Professional HVAC contractors must have the contractor’s state license number, and you can check the license status online. Most licensed contractors are competent, hardworking, honest, and financially responsible. But one of the easiest ways to avoid who isn’t is to make sure they are licensed.
Of course, every licensed contractor is not guaranteed to be a good choice. But if a contractor isn’t licensed, they should be immediately excluded from any hiring consideration.
- Check if the HVAC Contractor is Insured
HVAC contractors should always carry insurance. They need to have general liability and workers’ compensation policies that cover them in the event of an accident. If a worker is injured working on your property and the contractor doesn’t have insurance, you could be financially liable to pay for the injury. An HVAC contractor should also have commercial general liability insurance that covers any potential damage to your property.
- Check if the Contactor is a Member of Any Association
Several trade associations at national, state, and local levels offer training programs to their members. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) or American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & A/C Engineers (ASHRAE), for example, have programs that help contractors learn best practices. HVAC training allows them to become more knowledgeable about the latest technology and advancements in this field to deliver better services to their clients. A contractor’s membership with an association also shows that they are committed to staying up to date on industry standards, laws, and regulations.
- Make Sure the Contractor is Bonded
If you’re hiring an HVAC contractor for big jobs, like installing central air conditioning units, then it’s essential to make sure they have a bond as well. A bond is a promise that they will complete the work as promised or get your money back. There are three types of bonds; Contractor license bonds, contract bonds, and blanket performance and payment bonds.
Contractor license bond covers any project the contractor agrees to perform, and often it’s not enough to cover multiple complaints made against it or your project if it’s worth more than the value of the bond. Contract bonds warrant the completion of the job and payment for all labor and materials. Blanket and performance payment bonds are large enough to cover all open contracts at any given time. A contractor who has this bond on file may demand payment in total upfront. Only high-volume corporations typically employ this sort of bond.
- Look for Contractors Reviews
It’s crucial to check contractor online reviews before hiring them. You can do this by visiting their website and looking for testimonials or customer feedback, or by visiting their Google My Business profile. If they don’t have any reviews, you should strongly consider a different contractor.
- Check if the Contractor Offers a Warranty
HVAC contractors should give you a warranty on parts and labor for at least one year. If they don’t, consider if this is someone who will be around to service your system in the future or not.
Conclusion
Budget is always an essential factor when it comes to any home improvement project. If money isn’t something that’s holding you back from making these improvements or repairs, then some other things like getting the best HVAC contractor might be preventing you from making the jump. Follow our suggestions above, and it will be easier to identify an HVAC contractor that can be your go-to HVAC guy for years to come.