5 Questions to Ask a Potential HVAC Contractor in Jacksonville, NC

Your HVAC system is a big investment. Therefore, you should always make sure that the HVAC contractor you’re working with is the best you can find. Here are the most important questions you should ask before hiring an HVAC professional in Jacksonville, NC.

Are You Licensed?

You cannot risk trusting an unlicensed HVAC contractor to take care of such essential equipment in your home. Even if something were to go wrong by mistake, you wouldn’t have too many legal options. That’s because you knowingly chose to work with someone who wasn’t licensed and didn’t have an insurance policy to cover accidental damage.

That said, if you want to receive the best work in your home, ask your potential HVAC contractor for their licensing papers. This will assure you that the contractor you have in mind is keeping up with current technology and trends at least well enough to periodically renew their state license.

Are You Insured?

Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. But you don’t want to end up paying for mistakes your contractor makes when working the your HVAC system you depend on to keep your home comfortable.

You must always ask the potential HVAC company for their insurance certificates. Trustworthy contractors will always carry general liability insurance and workers compensation. These protect their workers in case of an injury on the job or any damage they inadvertently cause to your system.

How Long Have You Been Working as an HVAC Contractor?

As in any other field, experience is an important criterion to look for in a potential HVAC contractor. Someone who has been in this business for many years has possibly handled almost all scenarios and problems homeowners face. They have also seen and grown with the changes that occur in the market over time.

One important question to ask regarding experience is how long they have been operating under the same name. If your potential contractor changes their name too frequently, they could have gained a bad reputation from which they’re hiding. On the other hand, someone that has used the same name for five years or more is likely to have a good reputation. As a result, they will be easier to research if you decide to do so.

What Certifications Do You Have?

When looking for an HVAC contractor to hire, you must make sure that you will be getting the best possible service. And one way to prove this, besides experience, is the certifications that they have. This is because, before the relevant agencies award a company a certification, they must determine that the contractor has a high levels of skill, adheres to professional standards and demonstrates adequate technical knowledge.

Some of the credentials you should look for include NATE Certification, HVAC Excellence Certification, EPA 608 Certification, North Carolina State licensing and proof of meeting the HVAC Quality Installation Standard. Among these, EPA 608 Certification and NATE Certification are the best predictors of excellent service. The former shows that the contractor can handle things that are dangerous to your environment, like carbon monoxide. To receive the latter, the service technician must demonstrate a thorough understanding of technical skills and knowledge and must prove his or her practical abilities.

What’s Your Price Range?

Although it’s not advisable to let the price stop you from getting the best service, working with someone within your budget is important. You can definitely hire a very good contractor that offers affordable prices for the services they provide.

If you’re looking for a trusted HVAC company in Jacksonville, NC, get in touch with Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been providing top-quality repair, maintenance, and installation services since 1967. You can trust us to keep your HVAC system delivering the performance and comfort that you need.

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