Finding HVAC contractors can be a challenge. You want to find one that provides quality service. If not, it could end up costing you more money in repairs. You also want to find sustainable companies to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Do Research
Before choosing a company, do your homework. Become familiar with local license and insurance requirements. Ensure your top companies have the proper qualifications. Look for other eco-friendly certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Star.
You can also reach out to local trade organizations to find environmentally-conscious individuals. Do a google search for eco-friendly contractors in your area or use sites like Upwork or Angie’s List.
2. Check Your System’s Condition
Before calling the contractor, know your system’s model and repair history. If there are any issues with it, make a note. Are any rooms cooler or warmer than others?
This information helps the professional better understand and fix the situation. Ensuring a consistent temperature conserves energy and lowers carbon emissions. Then your air conditioner works more efficiently, reducing your reliance on fossil fuels. You can even save money on your electricity bills.
3. Get Plenty of Referrals
Ask friends, family, and even coworkers for recommendations. They may know a qualified company. Also, consider people who have recently done an eco-friendly remodel.
They may have contacts for green companies. Social media is another way to get more referrals. Also, search your potential contractors’ Facebook or LinkedIn to see their past projects.
4. Call the Contractor’s References
Ask your contractor to supply multiple references and call these. Ask the customer about the quality of installation and service. Also, see if the company used suitable methods and if the system has decreased their overall energy usage.
Another essential question is whether the contractor completed the project on time and within budget. Ensure that the contractor has an efficient clean-up process.
5. Reach Out to the Better Business Bureau
Call the Better Business Bureau to get a list of accredited HVAC companies. Inquire about ones with eco-friendly practices, such as geothermal heat pumps. Also, visit the website to read reviews of companies you’re considering.
Look for comments about overall customer service and the efficiency of products. Check out multiple reviews to get a balanced view.
6. Pay Attention to Special Offers
Finding eco-friendly companies can save you money if you have a smaller budget. They may have rebates on energy-efficient cooling systems. Start with energy companies like PPL or UGI. Also, you can find savings with the Energy-Star Rebate Finder.
Plus, the residential energy-efficient property credit helps with tax deductions. Suppose your equipment was serviced after December 31, 2016, and before January 1, 2020. Then you can receive a 30% deduction.
7. Get Everything in Writing
Having proper documentation ensures you aren’t caught off guard later. Some eco-friendly companies may try to charge higher rates for their products. So, ask for a written, itemized list of estimates before signing anything.
When reviewing bids, compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. Before making your final choice, shop around for multiple quotes to get the best deal.
8. Get an In-Home Evaluation
An in-home evaluation determines your heating needs. The professional can estimate the correct sized appliance. This is often based on the amount of insulation and your home’s age. That way, you have a system that doesn’t over or under-use energy.
In addition, have them inspect your duct system for proper insulation and no signs of leaks. They should take air-flow measurements to stay up to date with manufacturers’ specifications.
9. Read Online Reviews
Along with customer references, do your own digging. Read online reviews to get a sense of how customers feel about a company. Plus, you can scroll through multiple comments in the convenience of your own home.
See what they say about the quality of service and how respectful the contractor was. Keep in mind that sites like Yelp may filter reviews. So, look for more trusted sites, such as Google.
10. Be Cautious of the Lower Bid
Even though a lower offer may be tempting, do your research first. The contract could be using cheap materials which are bad for the environment. Plus, the person could have less experience.
This leads to improper installation and costs you more in the long run. Some unlicensed contractors even use stolen equipment.
Finding the Right Contractor for the Job
When it comes to finding a contractor, there are plenty of options. To narrow down your search, do online research and get referrals. And follow these tips the next time your HVAC system needs an upgrade.
