Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature tends to be a priority. No one wants to sweat or freeze in their home. This is supposed to be a comfortable place for you to relax. Relaxing when you’re shivering is kind of difficult. The same goes when you’re sweating just sitting inside your home.
Whether you’re getting ready to replace your HVAC system or just having it serviced, do you know which questions to ask a heating contractor in Centennial, CO? The answers to these questions can be the difference between being comfortable or miserable when temperatures dip or soar.
Is the Contractor Licensed and Insured?
Don’t take this for granted. Colorado doesn’t require HVAC contractors to be licensed or carry insurance. On the other hand, this can change at the local level. Even though it’s not a state requirement, it’s still something you should ask.
A licensed contractor has the knowledge and experience to work on your HVAC system without creating additional problems. If something does go wrong, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover any damage if the professional isn’t licensed.
You want to stick with an HVAC contractor who also carries insurance. Just because your homeowner’s policy typically covers injuries and some types of property damage, it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to file a claim.
At the least, your monthly premiums are probably going up. Your policy provider may even drop your coverage. You also don’t want to be at the receiving end of a lawsuit filed by a non-insured HVAC contractor.
Does the Heating Contractor Provide Itemized, Written Estimates?
Okay, keep in mind an estimate is only an educated guess of the project’s cost. Your final bill may be higher or lower than the written estimate. However, whatever the project’s final cost, it should be close to the original estimate.
Getting a written estimate will give you a pretty good idea of the project’s cost. This way you can plan a budget and decide if you can afford to partner with the heating contractor. You should also plan on getting a few project estimates. Not all heating contractors charge the same rates.
Why do you want an itemized estimate? This gives you a pretty good idea of what the contractor charges for labor, supplies, and other miscellaneous items.
Is There a Warranty for the Heating Contractor’s Services?
Overall, most HVAC contractors offer a one-year warranty for their services. Be sure to get this in writing if it’s not already included in your final bill. This way, if something goes wrong within the first few months, you’re not shelling out more money for repairs.
Don’t forget to ask about product and manufacturer’s warranties. Pretty much every component on your HVAC system should come with a warranty. How long the warranties last varies depending on the part and the manufacturer. You may even be able to take advantage of extended warranties, but these typically come at a higher price.
Talk to your heating contractor about any available warranties and once again, get everything in writing. If it’s a manufacturer’s warranty you’re probably going to need sales receipts. Your heating contractor should be able to hand these over.
Who Is Responsible For Getting Any Necessary Permits?
Before you let a professional start working on your HVAC system, you’re probably going to need to pull a permit or two. The permits may be required by the state or local authorities. This is something your heating contractor should know and be able to answer.
If you’re wondering what happens if you don’t have a permit, get ready to deal with some hefty fines. All work on your heating system also has to come to a stop until you secure the required permits.
So, who’s responsible for pulling any permits? This is something your heating contractor should be prepared to handle.
Does the Heating Contractor Offer Various Payment Options?
Sometimes even a routine service call can quickly turn expensive. You’re expecting to pay one amount but the maintenance call has discovered a problem. This means repairs and possibly replacement parts.
Before letting a heating contractor start work, ask about their payment options. Do they expect the full bill as soon as the job’s done or do they offer financing? If financing is a payment option, don’t forget to inquire about any interest or other additional charges.
Keeping Your HVAC System Running All Year
Your HVAC system isn’t something you want to ignore even when it’s running great. Routine maintenance can help it run efficiently but eventually, it’s going to need repairs.
Before hiring a heating contractor ask the right questions. This can be the difference between staying comfortable in your home or having to pay for additional repairs.
