When it comes to your monthly bills, your air conditioning probably accounts for a lot of those costs. That’s why it’s crucial that you get the correct HVAC system installed into your home that is going to be energy efficient and effectively cool down your house. If you’re smart, then you will definitely hire an HVAC contractor to handle all of these details for you. It’s very difficult to install an AC or to maintain it on a regular basis without the proper education. That’s why it’s important for you to hire an HVAC contractor that’s right for you. Keep reading down below to learn the top questions that you should be asking your contractor to make the right decision.
- What Size of AC Do You Need?
The first thing that you should be asking your contractor is what size of AC is right for your home. Your contractor will be able to tell you exactly the capacity that’s needed to cool your home efficiently. This is important for you to know because if you get the wrong size of air conditioner, then you might find yourself with much higher energy bills than normal when your air conditioner works harder than usual to cool down your home.
- Can You Use the Current Ductwork That You Have?
If you have existing ductwork in your home that’s used for your current HVAC system, it’s important to speak with your contractor about whether or not this current ductwork can be used or if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. The ductwork is one of the priciest parts of the installation process with HVAC contractors, so you can save a lot of money by using your current ductwork.
- Is the Contractor Insured and Bonded?
Probably the most important thing that you should ask any potential contractor is whether or not they are insured and bonded. This will ensure that if something goes wrong during the installation process, you are not held liable. Plus, you should ensure that they have the proper accreditations to operate their business in your locality. You never want to deal with a contractor that’s going to bring you into shady business dealings.
- What New Technologies Should Be Considered?
Another question to ask is whether or not there are new technologies that should be considered when installing an AC. There are plenty of new thermostats and even ductless air conditioners that are available. Be sure to speak with your contractor to see how you can take advantage of the newest technology to bring down your energy bills and cool down your home.
- What’s the Energy Efficiency Look Like?
Another important question to ask your contractor is what the energy efficiency of your device looks like. This is not only important for the environment, but will lower your energy bills and save you tons of money in the long-run. All HVAC systems come with an energy efficiency rating that you can check out and compare with your contractor.
- What Brands Are Offered?
You should also check out what brands of air conditioners that your contractor offers. Which of the brands does he or she prefer and why is that? You can make a pros and cons list of all of the brands that they offer.
- What Tax Credits or Rebates Are Offered?
When it comes to air conditioners, there are plenty of tax credits and rebates offered by the federal and state governments, especially when it comes to energy efficient devices. You can ask your contractor about what credits you can take advantage of when you have a certain device installed.
- Do They Handle All of The Permits?
If there are any permits required by the local authorities when installing air conditioners, are those handled by the contractor? Make sure to get this answered before you hire someone for the job.
- What Do the Payment Terms Look Like?
And lastly, you should pay special attention to the payment terms for the job being done. What are the financing options and when does payment need to be made?
All of these questions need to be answered before you start working with a contractor. When you do this, you will be super prepared to make the best choice of contractor and get all of the knowledge you need about your new HVAC system.