Ideally, you should choose an HVAC contractor to service your home’s system over a long period. Before you begin forging a relationship with your technician, however, ensure the company is right for the job. This guide will help you evaluate professionals in the field and choose someone you can trust.

Factors to Consider in Hiring an HVAC Contractor

1. Check Licenses & Certifications

Any career field can have people working in it who don’t maintain proper credentials, so visit their place of business in person to see what licenses and certifications are posted on the walls. This will help you ensure the business is up to date with the licenses and insurance policies required by the state. It will also help to verify that the business’ technicians are certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE).

2. Ask About Their Experience

Even if a contractor has been in business for several years, learn about what kind of experience they have. Specifically, inquire about their knowledge of Energy Star® ratings and energy-efficient products. Since an HVAC system is a costly investment, you should ensure it’s always operating at peak efficiency. That means working with a contractor who will help you limit energy consumption without sacrificing heating and cooling needs.

3. Request an In-Home Evaluation

Whether you’re planning on an HVAC installation or you just want to ensure your existing system is in top condition, ask for an evaluation. This is an opportunity to find out what parts of your system are beginning to fail, and it allows an opportunity to experience the expertise of your technician. If they don’t seem knowledgeable and can’t provide thorough answers to your questions, it may be wise to look for another contractor. The evaluation should give you a more thorough understanding of the system and help build trust between you and your contractor.

4. Check Their Professional Reputation

There are many ways you can verify that your potential contractor has a solid reputation in the community. Begin by asking family members, friends, and coworkers if they have worked with that particular contractor. Also, check reviews of the business online. Resources such as the Better Business Bureau®, Yelp®, and Google® can provide previous customer reviews. While some negative reviews should be expected, an overwhelming number of poor ratings suggest the business doesn’t provide quality service.

Maintaining a relationship with your HVAC contractor will provide access to a trained professional that you trust. Donovan & Jorgenson is located in New Berlin, WI, and has been servicing Greater Milwaukee for more than 35 years. They offer free estimates and 24-hour emergency services to help them meet their customers’ needs. Explore their services online.