Choosing an HVAC contractor is an important decision that shouldn’t be made without doing some homework to be sure you’re making the best choice.

First, find a contractor who will ask you about your wants and needs and actually listen to you. With that information, they should be able to offer 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 many 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 not installed correctly you may not get top-of-the-line performance.

Here are a few other questions to help you make the best decision while finding your HVAC contractor.

Are they NATE-certified?

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Certified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge in the HVAC industry by passing real-world and specialized tests designed by a committee of industry professionals. 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 rigorous professional training.

Do you have access to 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 verify 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 be shown 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 profession and will be able to provide referrals for previous work.

Another route is crowdsourcing referrals from your friends and neighbors or on your social media networks. These are usually the most beneficial recommendations because they are coming from people you know. You’ll find out who to talk with 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 stands by them it’s likely they’ll do good work for you too.

Have you verified they’re licensed and insured?

Not all states require licensure for heating and cooling contractors, but almost all of them do. It’s easy to search online to determine if your state requires a license so you know whether or not to ask for one when gathering quotes from a contractor. The reason many states require licenses is simply to guard 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 avoid any potential issues.

When should you ask about these questions?

The best time to ask questions and choose an HVAC contractor is right now, before something goes wrong with your system. Get your furnace inspected while it’s operating properly and set up your yearly maintenance.

Your family’s health, comfort and safety is our business at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning in Omaha. Our HVAC professionals would be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Call us at 402-509-5940. We look forward to becoming your partner in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.