Is your HVAC system at least ten years old? If so, you may need to replace it within the next few years. On the other hand, if your HVAC system is newer, you should at least schedule annual maintenance to ensure it continues to function properly. In any case, you will need to hire an HVAC consultant sooner or later. You can trust the years of successful experience from Bassett Services—here are six things to think about when looking for a reliable company.
Qualifications, Licenses, & Experience
Your HVAC system is most likely the most expensive piece of equipment in your home, and you want to feel confident that whoever works on it is properly trained. You should hire someone who has a license and a lot of experience in the field. A company should be able to hold a minimum level of bonding and insurance in addition to a state license. Insurance protects homeowners in the event of injury or accidental damage.
You should always inquire about the experience of a prospective contractor. While longevity does not guarantee that a contractor will do a good job, stability in the industry does indicate the contractor is doing something right. Furthermore, you can inquire about the contractors’ and technicians’ certifications: North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification helps to ensure that a technician’s education and experience are up to date. Technician training may cover many aspects of the industry, but the most important are refrigerant handling and air balancing. Individuals who are not properly certified should not handle refrigerant, according to Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. This is especially important as the transition from Freon (R-22 refrigerant) to R-410A proceeds. Technicians today should also be trained to test and balance installations for maximum efficiency and comfort.
Additionally, you should ask whether the contractor carries top brands, and you can also inquire about their technicians’ training with these brands: each system/manufacturer is unique, and a quality consultant will ensure that technicians have received the necessary training to optimize installations.
References & Referrals
At Bassett Services, we know you want to be thorough in your research, so we recommend that you request references and referrals, and then contact them. Inquire whether jobs were completed on time and within budget. Inquire whether the company performed clean installations and treated the homeowner’s property with care. Was the system tested after it was installed to ensure maximum efficiency? Check with the Better Business Bureau to see what types of complaints have been filed against potential contractors. You can also look up complaints or ratings online, but keep in mind that many online reviews are fake. Glowing reviews are suspect, as are bitter criticisms without specific details.
When you’re seeking referrals, be sure to ask people whose opinions you trust, like your friends, neighbors, or co-workers. People love sharing good finds with others, so you’ll probably get a pretty big list of names just by asking their neighbors who they use. You can also ask for referrals through social media. As company names come to you, jot them down so you can start researching them. You can also consult online services such as Angie’s List or the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
Home Evaluation
If you want to install an HVAC system, potential contractors should conduct a thorough home evaluation to determine the best heating and cooling solution for you. The square footage of the home, the R-value of the insulation, the number of windows, and the direction they face are all factors to consider. Contractors should look for leaks, loose segments, and insulation in the duct system. Sizing a new system should not be based solely on square footage, but rather on calculations based on data fed into industry software such as Manuals J (for cooling and heating loads), S (to determine equipment size), and D (for ductwork).
Once you’ve received an evaluation, the prospective contractor should provide you with a written, itemized estimate so you can compare costs, warranties, and energy efficiency. Don’t be swayed solely by a low price. A higher-quality, more efficient furnace may offset a higher initial investment by using less fuel over time.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
Efficiency is critical. You want the most efficient equipment you can afford when shopping for an upgrade. Inquire with the contractor about Energy Star-rated models. The government’s Energy Star program rigorously tests HVAC equipment for efficiency. The company you hire should also be effective. Their technicians should get the job done correctly the first time and in a timely manner. You want a thorough, high-quality service, so be sure to do your research to find the best business for the job.
A good HVAC consultant will show pride in his or her company, so the trucks should be in good condition with the company name displayed on each vehicle. Do whatever you can to ensure the company you hire is legitimate and that the employees take pride in their work. Technicians who value a good job will do their best for their customers—a quality you want in the person you hire to serve your home.
Rebates and Special Offers to Customers
Because an HVAC system is an expensive investment, look for rebates on energy-efficient equipment or ask your dealer about specials. Indiana utility companies may provide rebates for the installation of energy-efficient equipment. You can’t know about the deals you could benefit from unless you look for them or ask for them. If you choose Bassett Services for your HVAC company, you take advantage of our quality heating and cooling services, as well as all our exceptional offers to save you money and get you the best deal possible. We invite you to consider us for caring for your home’s comfort.
Look at the Company’s Website & Read Online Reviews
Before you start calling companies, take a few minutes to check out their websites. Look for sites that appear professional and include helpful information. Also, try to determine how long the company has been in business because it’s always a good idea to hire someone from an already established company.
Dig a bit further by reading online reviews for each company you’re considering, but be discerning. You want to see if they have any bad reviews, and if they do, you should look at how the situation was handled. Did the company’s owner chime in on the review, apologizing to the customers? Did the company work to resolve the issue? Companies that have bad reviews aren’t necessarily bad companies. Everyone makes mistakes, but you need to understand how they handled their disgruntled customer to determine whether the company is trustworthy and reliable.
If you’re interested in the services our experts at Bassett Services can provide, contact our team today. We invite you to read our almost 2,000 Google Reviews and put our 4.9-star rating to the test!
Call us now at (317) 360-0054 and let us prove why Bassett Services is the best company in Plainfield, IN, for your HVAC needs! We’ll use our expertise and years of successful experience to ensure you become another one of our deeply valued and fully satisfied customers. Call today and let’s start our collaboration!
