Selecting an HVAC Contractor: Know Who You’re Hiring for This Important Work
Having a heating and cooling system means occasional repairs and seasonal maintenance to keep it running its best, and sometimes a total replacement is needed. Your decision on which HVAC company to hire for these jobs is essential to your family’s comfort and safety. It also has a significant impact on your household budget.
With many HVAC contractors to choose from in Cincinnati, how can you find the best option? You certainly want one that is experienced and delivers reliable, prompt service so your system runs without a hitch — and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg — in other words, a company you can really trust.
Cheap Fixes Can Cost More in the Long Run
You’re right to be suspicious of uncommonly low-price quotes — that’s a sure sign of inexperience or last-minute upsells. You also don’t want just anybody coming into your home and fiddling with the equipment that keeps you and your family comfortable and safe. If an HVAC company doesn’t really know what it’s doing, its work could do more harm than good and may result in:
- reduced comfort from poor temperature control
- frequent breakdowns
- potential safety hazards
- a less efficient system, leading to higher energy costs
- poor indoor air quality
- reduced equipment lifespan
These costs can quickly eliminate whatever cost benefit you thought you were getting.
Know What Standards to Look for in an HVAC Company
- Licensing, Insurance, and Certifications: Experience really matters when it comes to HVAC maintenance and installations. Choose a heating and cooling company that is fully insured and has licensed professionals with ongoing training and certifications. It’s okay to ask. Look for NATE certification (North American Technician Excellence), which is a great indicator of advanced training.
- A Great Reputation: Check the HVAC business’s references and professional rankings. Ask friends, coworkers, and neighbors for recommendations. Look at testimonials on the company’s website.
- Transparency: If the technician wants to install a furnace, heat pump, or AC in your home, make sure they explain the process carefully and comprehensively. If they recommend a certain size or capacity for your new system without conducting a heating or cooling load calculation, try another contractor. A reputable heating and cooling business should also provide clear pricing information and explain your options.
- Warranties and Support: Look for a company that offers guarantees on its equipment and labor, and check if they offer maintenance plans to keep your investment working its best.
Be wary of:
- Unprofessional Behavior: This is your home, your family, and your investment to protect — an HVAC tech should look and act like someone dedicated to your safety and comfort. They should never be discourteous to you.
- Questionable Sales Tactics: You should never feel pressured into purchasing unnecessary or expensive repairs or equipment. Estimates should be specific, clear, and always in writing — never go with a verbal quote. Again, be suspicious of extremely low quotes, which can mask fees and be a sign of inexperience.
- They Use Guesswork: Systems that are undersized or oversized may result in a variety of negative issues, including energy waste, poor performance, stress on components, and uneven heating or cooling. Avoid HVAC companies who use guesswork or simple calculations to recommend the right capacity for your home.
At Jansen Heating & Cooling, we take pride in our work, and we treat your home as if it were ours. We’re confident we will meet and exceed your expectations for these standards.
Locally owned and operated, Jansen has been serving the greater Cincinnati area’s heating and cooling needs since 1953. Here’s what makes us different:
- seven-day service for support when you need it
- expert service on all equipment makes and models
- seasonal maintenance tune-ups
- up to 10-year warranties on same-day system replacements
- free home energy analyses
- locally owned and operated in Cincinnati for over 70 years
Jansen Heating & Cooling has worked hard to become one of the best HVAC companies in Cincinnati. If you’re looking for a partner you can trust for expert, reliable service, Jansen has you covered.