While homeowners choose to undertake
many kinds of home renovations, installation and/or
repair of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and
refrigeration equipment is usually considered an
exceptional measure. Yet the heating and cooling system
in any building is a critical factor in occupant comfort
and quality of life. The purchase of a furnace, air
conditioner or ventilation system is a major investment
and deserves careful consideration.
Most states require the hiring of a licensed or
qualified HVAC tradesperson to perform the work because
of the safety concerns and consequences involved.
However, homeowners frequently do not distinguish among
contractors on anything other than price. Consumers
should be aware that the lowest price is not always the
best value!
There are some obvious red flags to look for when you
are shopping around for a contractor. For example,
reputable contractors will not quote prices without
seeing the job! Reputable contractors will not request
large cash advances prior to the delivery of any
equipment or materials. And any reputable contractor
will readily provide a full business address as well as
a telephone number where they can be reached. Apart from
these more obvious tip-offs, there are a number of
guidelines that a homeowner should keep in mind in order
to get the best value when hiring a heating and air
conditioning contractor.1.
Finding Reputable Contractors
You may wish to contact neighbors, friends,
relatives and co-workers for opinions on work done
recently by an HVAC contractor. You can also use the
business directory for your area, or newspaper, radio
and television ads to identify contractors. In most
cases you will be better off selecting contractors that
promote the quality of their service and equipment at a
reasonable rate, rather than just low prices. It may be
best to select experienced firms. If possible, try to
visit their office.
You will want to determine whether the contractor has
appropriately certified personnel on staff (sheet metal,
refrigeration & air conditioning or electrician
journeymen, gas fitters, etc.), whether 24-hour
emergency service is available, and whether the
contractor offers maintenance and service agreements
after the installation and warranty. The warranty policy
should be clearly stated for equipment, materials and
labor and should indicate who is responsible for
honoring the warranty.
2. Getting Estimates
Arrange for the contractor to come and inspect the
job site. Some small jobs may be priced out and an
estimate written immediately, but larger jobs may
require additional time to price properly and to prepare
a heat loss and gain calculation for proper sizing of
the equipment.
Make sure that each estimate is written on a proper form
that is easily read and understood. When comparing the
estimates received, the statements about the work to be
performed and the materials used should be of comparable
quality, or the estimates should make proper allowances
for any differences. Be sure that the estimate includes
the proper permits and licenses. The warranty policy
should be clearly stated for equipment, materials and
labor. If the contractor uses sub-contractors for some
of the actual work, these should be listed on the
proposal and in the contract.
3. The Contract
The contract is the agreement between the homeowner
and the contractor that specifies what work will be
performed and gives a firm dollar value on that work. It
is a legal, binding document when signed by both
parties, so be sure you understand and agree with the
contents before signing. Any changes or additions in the
work to be done should never be made without those
alterations being written into the contract and
initialed by both parties. If extra billing is to
occur, it must be clearly stated and initialed by both
parties.
In addition to the name, address and telephone number of
the consumer and the contractor, the contract should
clearly state the following items:
- required licenses and permits must be purchased by
the contractor;
- responsibility for removal of old equipment and
materials;
- warranties and guarantees on materials and labor;
- approximate start and completion dates unless
specific dates and times are agreed upon;
- price and terms of payment.
The contractor should also provide orientation
regarding operation and maintenance of the equipment,
and should leave an operations and maintenance manual
with the consumer.
4. Payment Methods
There is no standard method of payment, so the
payment schedule will vary from company to company. In
any case, the payment schedule should be easy to
understand and clearly stated if interest charges are
applicable. A nominal deposit may be requested. Get a
receipt for your deposit or have the amount shown on the
contract and get the salesman to initial it. All
payments should be made directly to the company named in
the contract.
5. Insurance
It is important that the contractor and any
sub-contractors each have public liability and property
damage insurance, and be able to produce a certificate
of good standing from the Workers' Compensation Board.
You may wish to ask who the policy is with and follow up
to verify that it is current.
6. References
Reputable contractors will be more than willing to
give you the names and addresses of customers they've
done work for in your area. You may wish to contact the
Better Business Bureau, which maintains records of
consumer complaints about its members. |
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