4 Must-Ask Questions for Your Commercial HVAC Contractor

by Matt Henery Author

An HVAC unit can last for 15 years, so most homeowners won't have to replace theirs very often. Finding the right commercial HVAC contractors is just as important as the new unit. Business owners need to be thorough in the selection process and here are four questions to ask when talking to prospective contractors.

What Is the Problem?

Assessing the problem can be a great way to get to know the company and the people they have working for them. A company that wants to diagnose the problem over the phone should be the first warning sign. There is no way a technician can pinpoint the problem over the phone. They need to examine the unit to see if something can be repaired rather than replaced. They will examine your unit and then tell you if HVAC repair service needed.

How Much Will It Cost?

Many times, the cost of repairs or even a new unit can be a driving factor for business owners. There is more to the number than meets the eye, though. If a unit can be repaired, one company may not figure enough labor cost to do the job properly. A different company may estimate higher in case hidden problems arise and the job takes longer. If a whole new system is needed, many larger commercial HVAC contractors and even manufacturers will offer payment plans to offset the large cost of the unit.

Who Will Do the Job?

Some larger companies may have several teams that work different types of HVAC jobs. It is a good idea to find out about the people that will be doing the work. You should ask questions about their training, their licenses and certifications, and how long they have been working on HVAC units and providing HVAC repair service Old Bridge. It is also important to talk about a contractor’s insurance and what it covers in relation to the job.

Do they have references?

The final thing you should discuss is about previous customers’ references and their satisfaction. Some companies will have a list of satisfied customers that will give testimonials about their particular situation. In the digital era, many companies have websites with customer feedback right up front. Though, you should also look for independent sources for reviews on the internet to form an unbiased opinion. Some commercial HVAC contractors may only use the good comments on their website and discard the negative ones.