Whether you’re replacing an old HVAC system or having one installed in a new home, you want to make sure you can trust the craftsmanship. As a homeowner, there are few things worse than going through the time and expense of upgrading your home, only to discover that your efforts were spoiled by shoddy work.
You want your home to be comfortable for your family, which is why a quality heating and cooling unit is worth the investment — when it’s done right! You don’t want to have to go through the inconvenience of having to fix someone’s mistakes. Here are five things to consider when choosing an HVAC contractor in Richmond, Virginia.
Are They Legit?
This might sound surprising, but the very first thing you need to determine is whether an HVAC company is actually licensed, bonded, and insured. It takes a lot of skill and training to install, maintain, and repair HVAC components, so you want to be sure you’re dealing with an expert.
In Virginia, you can search the Board of Contractors for licensing information. You may also ask the contractor directly for this information. Once you have determined whether they are operating legitimately and adhering to state regulations, you may be able to eliminate some contenders.
Read the Reviews
Not that long ago, we had to rely on word-of-mouth to get an idea about a company’s reputation. Today, it’s very easy to find customer reviews. Did you know that 91% of people regularly or occasionally read online reviews and that 84% trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation?
Before hiring an HVAC contractor in Richmond, do some research. Look for testimonials and/or complaints, and carefully read what’s being said. Pay extra attention to whether the company has responded to or addressed any issues. It’s good to know that, if problems arise, you’ll be dealing with professionals who are willing to make things right.
Is The Work Guaranteed?
Imagine purchasing a new HVAC unit and then discovering that, not only was it installed incorrectly, but the parts are faulty. Would you want to spend your own money fixing a problem that you didn’t cause? That’s what can happen if you choose the wrong contractor.
You always want to find out if an HVAC company offers a guarantee on labor and/or a product warranty. That way, if you run into problems, you’ll be protected. Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions to ensure that you remain compliant in order to avoid nullifying the agreement.
Will They Do an Evaluation?
Every contractor will have their own way of doing things, but you should be on the lookout for two potential red flags — very low prices and a telephone quote. Qualified professionals may cost more, but if it means that the work is done right, then it’s worth it.
They should also want to see your home before providing an estimate. Pricing an HVAC requires specific information such as the size of the house, number of people living in your residence, and your specific heating and cooling needs. Avoid surprises by hiring a contractor who insists on performing a home evaluation before performing any work.
Do They Offer a Maintenance Plan?
Your new HVAC system has been installed, your home is cozy, and now you never have to think about it again, right? Wrong! It’s incredibly important that your hardworking heating and cooling unit is properly serviced. In fact, it may be required in order to satisfy the manufacturer’s warranty.
You’ll want to find out if your HVAC contract offers a maintenance plan. If they do, ask for a list of tasks they will perform on a routine call. If it doesn’t seem robust enough, you may want to look for someone else.
Qualified HVAC Contractor in Richmond, Virginia
If you’re looking for qualified, experienced HVAC contractors, you’ve come to the right place! W.G. Speeks has been proudly serving the communities in and around the Greater Richmond Region for more than 75 years.
Our technicians are NATE-certified to provide you with the highest level of customer service. Best of all, we offer a free, no-risk consultation with our team of experts to give you peace of mind before you spend your hard-earned money. Don’t waste another minute looking through listings — W.G. Speeks is here to help!