Choosing the Right Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor

While homeowners often undertake many kinds of home renovations, installation and/or repair of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment is usually an exceptional measure. Many provinces require the hiring of a licensed or qualified HVACR tradesman to perform the work because of the safety concerns and consequences involved.

The purchase of a furnace, air conditioning or ventilation system is a major consideration and investment. Consumers should be aware that THE LOWEST PRICE IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST VALUE. To get the best value, the following key points should be remembered:

1: Identifying a Contractor.
You may wish to contact friends, neighbours, relatives and co-workers for opinions on work done recently by an HVACR contractor. You can also use the business directory for your area, or newspaper, T.V. and radio ads to identify contractors. In most cases you’ll be better off with contractors who 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, and if possible, to visit their office or showroom. You will want to determine if the contractor has appropriately certified personnel on staff (sheet metal, refrigeration and air conditioning or electrical technicians, gas fitters, etc.), if 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 labour 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 prepare a heat loss and gain calculation for proper sizing of the equipment.

When comparing estimates received, make sure it’s written on a proper form that is easily read and understood. The work to be performed and the materials used should be of comparable quality, or make the appropriate allowances for differences. Be sure that the permit includes the proper permits and licenses. 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 work to be done whould never be made without those alterations being written into the contract and initialled by both parties. If any extra billing is to occur, it must be clearly stated and initialled 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;

a) required licensees and permits must be purchased by the contractor,
b) responsibility for removal of old equipment and materials,
c) warranties and guarantees on materials and labour,
d) approximate start and completion dates, unless specific dates are agreed upon,
e) price and terms of payment
f) provision of consumer orientation regarding operation and maintenance of the equipment, and
g) provision of an operations and maintenance manual.

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 state 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 have the salesman 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 subcontractors each have public liability and property damage insurance, and be able to produce a certificate of good standing from the Worker’s Compensation Board. You may wish to ask who the policy is with, and follow up to verify if it is current.

6: References:
Reputable contractors will be more than willing to give you tha names and addresses of customers they’ve done work for in your area. You may also wish to contact the Better Business Bureau which maintains records of consumer complaints about its members.

Remember:
Reputable contractors

• will not quote prices without seeing the job
• will not request large cash advances prior to the delivery of any equipment or materials
• will provide their full business address as well as a telephone number where they can be reached.