Questions to ask before hiring an HVAC contractor
A short checklist to work through before you agree to a repair or a system replacement.
Published
Replacing or repairing heating and cooling equipment is one of the larger unplanned costs a household faces. A short conversation up front usually prevents the worst surprises.
Confirm what is actually wrong
Ask the contractor to explain the diagnosis in plain language, and to show you the failed component where that is practical. A written diagnosis is more useful than a verbal one, particularly if you intend to get a second quote.
Ask how the price is structured
Find out whether there is a diagnostic fee, whether it is credited against the repair, and whether the quote covers parts, labour and disposal. Ask whether the price changes if the work takes longer than expected.
Check licensing and insurance yourself
Ask for the licence number and confirm its current status with the issuing authority directly. Ask for a certificate of insurance. Placer Match records when we last reviewed a document, but a licence can lapse at any time, so the check that matters is the one you do on the day.
Understand the warranty
Separate the manufacturer's warranty on parts from the contractor's warranty on labour. Ask how long each lasts and what would void them.
Get more than one quote for large work
For a full system replacement it is reasonable to get two or three quotes. Ask each contractor to quote the same scope so the numbers can be compared.