When hiring an
HVAC contractor it is important to work with an expert that has all of their certifications, licenses, and insurance in place. If they are not qualified and make a mistake during the process it will cost you time and money, something that most homeowners cannot afford in a new build or remodel. When interviewing companies feel free to ask them questions and find out if they have made any of these common mistakes:
- Ignoring air flow. When interviewing a professional, ask them to look at your existing ductwork. Oftentimes the ductwork is the wrong size or has a lot of leaks. When airflow is hindered or leaking out along the way to its destination, your unit will not function properly, and your home will not be as energy efficient as it can be.
- Ignoring leaks. When looking to make your home more energy efficient, you should hire an HVAC contractor that can help you to identify areas of your home that may be causing air leaks. If your home is not properly insulated or sealed, your energy bills will be higher. Even though an HVAC specialist may not necessarily perform this other work, by being informed you can address any other issues simultaneously.
- Forgetting to ventilate. It is extremely important to make sure that your home has proper ventilation. New homes especially are sealed tightly in order to make them more energy efficient. While this is good for your electric bill, it does mean that the HVAC system must include mechanical air ventilation. This is particularly important in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Using a one size fits all plan. Each home is different, and your contractor needs to create a plan that is customized for your specific space. Make sure that they don’t operate in generalities but rather structure how they will approach your project based on the nuances of your specific home.
- Ignoring problems. An experienced HVAC contractor can use their skills to help you avoid common problems like mold forming in the bathroom; allergies bothering someone in the family, or the smells from dinner lingering all night. While interviewing companies, inform them of the challenges you are facing and see if they are willing to address them. A good one can and will.
Hiring the right professional starts on the initial phone call or meeting. It is important to work with a company that is experienced in the type of work that you need and is willing to listen to your concerns and ideas. A team approach is the best way to solve common household issues, and an
HVAC contractor has to be willing to listen in order to understand the problems you are facing and come up with a solution. Make sure that you are comfortable with them and feel like you can communicate. Ask questions during the interview to find out if they will address and solve the issues listed here or if they will simply ignore them for a partial solution.
