Georgia’s harsh temperatures can be fatal without an efficient heating and cooling system. You need to be confident that the contractor you choose will offer excellent quality work, honest service, and transparent prices.
There are several HVAC questions you should ask before making a final decision. At Georgia Air Cooling & Heating, we understand you need a trustworthy HVAC contractor. The HVAC technicians in Richmond Hill from Georgia Air Cooling & Heating are friendly, knowledgeable, and strive to provide the best quality no matter the job. We offer a combination of expert service and detailed handiwork, and we are licensed and insured for your safety and ours.
Contact us when your HVAC system stops working, and we will provide affordable, reliable solutions. Until then, remember these vital questions to ask your HVAC contractor.
Questions to Ask Your HVAC Contractor
The best HVAC questions to ask will indicate the quality of service you’ll receive as a client. Asking these questions will weed out unreliable contractors or those who only want to make money off your trouble.
It’s vital that you select an HVAC contractor that makes you feel safe and confident that you’ll be getting high-quality services.
1. What Problems Does My HVAC System Have?
Asking about your current HVAC system is a good way to determine how prepared, experienced, and reputable a contractor is. A good contractor will request details about your indoor air handler and outdoor unit, including the age, brand, the symptoms you notice, and how long these symptoms have been occurring.
From there, a reliable HVAC company will explain the various possible problems and provide tips on how to mitigate the issues. They’ll take time to answer your questions and won’t push services on you without inspecting your system first. Stay away from contractors that use one-size-fits-all solutions.
Some contractors may offer a free inspection. Your contractor will typically prepare a quote for repairs, maintenance, and other services after an inspection. They’ll be able to determine exactly what is wrong with your HVAC system and approximately how much it will cost.
2. What Does the Project Estimate Include?
An experienced contractor will be able to answer all HVAC questions and list all services for your project’s quote. A professional HVAC quote will detail all equipment, services, and costs. Here, the contractor should discuss all details of your project and explain the entire process.
Be sure to get a written project estimate to ensure you have a detailed breakdown of costs. Ask questions about every listing on the quote, from evaporator coils to air filters. Don’t forget to discuss what is not included with the quote.
Some contractors try to add hidden charges to your estimate. Beware of contractors that sneak these extra costs past you. The last thing you want is to pay for services you don’t need.
3. What Are Your Payment Options?
Many contractors offer financing to offset the high expenses of HVAC system replacements. Some offer discounts for costly repairs. Ask about their different payment options and see whether they offer discounts for military, first-time customers, and more.
They should be upfront with you about their financing options. An experienced contractor often offers financing plans for HVAC systems or a discount on services.
Some may utilize third-party financing programs, while others may require monthly payments. If they do offer financing options, be sure to get all the details.
4. What Size Unit Do I Need?
Your HVAC unit must be the correct size for your home. HVAC questions like these are excellent for determining if a contractor is knowledgeable. They should be able to calculate a rough estimate of your property’s energy load and determine the amount of BTUs necessary to provide adequate heating and cooling.
You can calculate your average unit size before contacting an HVAC contractor. Determine your home’s square footage and multiply by 25 to calculate the number of BTUs necessary for your space’s energy needs. While the final number requires complex calculations, you can test the prospective contractor to determine whether they are confident in their knowledge.
5. What Brands and Services Do You Offer?
Many HVAC contractors service the same brands they sell. Trane, Lennox, and Rheem are some of the most energy-efficient HVAC brands. Look online for a list of the most energy-efficient brands and see if the contractor carries or services any of them.
You can determine whether a brand offers energy-efficient models based on the SEER rating. The SEER rating, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, measures how efficiently an HVAC system heats or cools a space based on its energy input. Highly energy-efficient HVAC systems will have a high SEER rating.
6. How Will My New System Affect Me?
HVAC companies help people enjoy many benefits. A knowledgeable HVAC contractor will be able to list the advantages of a new HVAC system. Some benefits include lower energy costs, reduced energy consumption, a smaller environmental footprint, more even cooling and heating, and a cleaner and fresher indoor environment.
Your HVAC contractor may mention that you’ll benefit significantly from the higher SEER rating. Ask what this higher rating does. If they can’t prove their claims with accurate information, you should seek another contractor.
7. Will The System Come with Guarantees?
Some HVAC contractors, like Georgia Air, offer guarantees with equipment and services. These guarantees may be for transparent pricing, installation quality assurance, or customer satisfaction. A company offering guarantees is confident in their workmanship, which can be a good indication that they are reliable, experienced, and trustworthy.
Your HVAC system may also come with a warranty. Guarantees in performance, proper sizing, and comfort may be high on your list of priorities. Luckily, many systems come with manufacturer warranties to ensure you get your money’s worth.
Ask HVAC questions regarding these guarantees. What do they cover, and for how long?
8. Who Installs My New System?
Some contractors have a dedicated installation team, while others do not. It’s common for many homeowners’ HVAC systems to be improperly charged or installed. Knowing who will perform the installation can be helpful if something goes wrong later.
Professional HVAC contractors such as Georgia Air only hire the best HVAC technicians who are licensed, certified, and insured. Many contractors also require background checks for client safety, as HVAC technicians will be entering your home.
Technicians will first calculate your home’s energy load requirements then help you select the perfect unit. From there, they’ll perform the installation. Expert technicians will clean up after the installation, ensure your system runs properly, and teach you how to operate it before leaving.
9. Can I See Your Contractor License?
Licensure is mandatory for legitimate HVAC contractors. In Georgia, the Georgia Board for Residential and General Contractors regulates the requirements to become a licensed contractor.
The board requires those seeking an HVAC contractor’s license to have at least four years of previous experience, relevant education, or both. They must also have proof of insurance and pass an exam before receiving their license. If a contractor has the proper licensure, they will not hesitate to show it.
10. Do You Have Proper Insurance?
Liability insurance protects homeowners, HVAC technicians, and HVAC contractors when an accident occurs. A reputable contractor will likely have the proper licensure and insurance. Ask HVAC questions to learn about their insurance policy.
A trustworthy contractor should be able to provide details regarding their insurance policy. Depending on their type of licensure, the amount of coverage an HVAC contractor’s liability insurance offers may vary. You can double-check with their insurance company to ensure you’ll be protected.
11. When Will the Job Be Finished?
Georgia’s temperatures can be sweltering. You need your HVAC system repaired or installed promptly so you can be comfortable indoors again. Some HVAC companies only prioritize emergency appointments, while others treat all clients with the fast service they deserve.
Choose a company that can tend to your HVAC problems promptly. A reliable company should be able to arrive at your location and resolve the issue within 24 hours.
Choose the HVAC Professionals at Georgia Air Repair
Asking questions is vital to your HVAC service results. At Georgia Air Repair, our team answers your HVAC questions based on our years of expertise. Residents in Richmond Hill, GA, and the surrounding areas trust us to install and maintain their HVAC systems, ensuring they run efficiently for years.
Our licensed, insured technicians are ready to assist you no matter your needs. We can help you select the perfect HVAC system, install it, and set up a maintenance schedule to extend its longevity. Choose us for high-quality, energy-efficient HVAC units from top brands in the industry.
Don’t get stuck with an unprofessional, unreliable HVAC company when you need quality services! Read more about HVAC services from Georgia Air Cooling & Heating, including AC replacement, regular maintenance, and more. Contact us today for expert service in Richmond Hill at 912.513.3756.