When Hiring an HVAC Contractor, be Sure to Ask the Right Questions

If you have a big repair or installation coming up, don’t leave the job to any old HVAC contractor. Choose a reputable company you can trust to get the job done right at a price you can afford. An important part of finding the right contractor for the job is ensuring they don’t participate in questionable practices. To weed out those who do, be sure to ask the right questions:

• What fees do you charge on top of your advertised price? One sign of a shady HVAC contractor is lowball pricing that undercuts everyone else in Middletown. It’s reasonable to ask about other fees and charges that get tacked onto the advertised price so you know what they really charge their customers.
• How do you size heating and cooling equipment? If the HVAC contractor states that they base equipment size on square footage and nothing else, politely hang up the phone and seek out a different company. The fact is that accurate sizing relies on complex calculations from Manual J, which includes many other factors than simply a home’s square footage. It takes extra time and education to implement proper load calculations, but the result is a system that keeps you more comfortable and performs more efficiently.
• Can you provide an estimate over the phone? This trick question helps you catch contractors who would attempt to neglect a dozen variables that impact new equipment installation costs. It may seem convenient to receive an estimate over the phone, but the chances of it being accurate are slim to none. To provide a better estimate, the HVAC contractor must visit the premises to take proper sizing measurements, inspect the proposed installation spot, and examine the condition of your ductwork. Only then can the contractor accurately estimate the project’s cost.

It’s clearly important to work with a reputable HVAC contractor for optimal home comfort. Rely on C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning for your maintenance and repair needs or upcoming HVAC installation. We have proudly served the Middletown area since 1945.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about hiring an HVAC contractor and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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