Just as important as it is to choose the proper heating system for your home, it is vital that you choose a qualified heating contractor for the installation of your brand-new furnace. In order for your furnace to operate efficiently and safely, proper installation as well as maintenance is crucial. Here are a few tips that will help you choose a professional heating contractor who has years of experience and can provide a flawless, accurate installation.
- If you aren’t familiar with a heating contractor, ask around. Word of mouth is how most contractors get the jest of their business. Ask your family members, co-workers, and your friends for recommendations.
- Never choose a heating contractor who is willing to give you a full estimate over the telephone without actually coming out to your home and examining the job that needs to be performed.
- If you are working with a heating contractor that doesn’t recommend the purchase of a high-efficiency heating system then you shouldn’t trust him. A contractor that is up-to-date on the newest technology and is well trained in their industry, won’t try to steer you away from the newer, better designs. It’s as simple as that.
- Ensure that the heating contractor comes to your home and performs a full survey. You also want to make certain that his estimate is based on the heat-load calculation.
- Ensure that the contractor takes plenty of time to examine your home to ensure that you have the appropriate size heating system. A good, professional heating contractor won’t base the size of your new heating system (or what is going to be) on your current heating system.
- The contractor should request information from you regarding any previous heating problems and then offer you an explanation for each of your heating problems in a way that you can actually understand it.
- The contractor should have no problem estimating how much your energy bills should average annually for the suggested equipment for your home.
- A quality contractor will take the time to provide you with a written or printed bid or proposal that will display the equipment that needs to be installed, the work that needs to be done as well as the price. The quoted price will – or should – include costs for laborers.
- You should get quotes/estimates from several contractors; however, make certain that the price itself isn’t the only thing that you use as a basis of choice. A more qualified contractor will probably charge more at first, but in the long run, it will be worth the price as it is a better overall value. A bid that is extremely low should bring up a red flag as they are probably trying to get rid of outdated or unreliable equipment. Alternatively, the price could be without routine services or warranties.
- A highly reliable heating contractor is going to be professional, courteous, and prompt. The way that the contractor treats you from the get-go is a true reflection of how you will be treated later down the road when or if problems arise. Find a company that has a shop or an office and will be happy to accommodate an in-person visit. This shows that the company, as well as the contractor, is established and well-grounded.