Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems need to be inspected twice per year to make sure they are operating efficiently. It’s important to hire qualified commercial HVAC contractors to maintain your office building’s heating and air conditioning. You’ll reduce energy costs and help maintain the comfort and well-being of your employees. Here are eight tips for choosing the right commercial HVAC contractors.
Tip 1: Learn about Contractor Rules in Your State
What are the rules for contractor licensing, insurance, and bonding in your state? Make sure you know before you contact commercial contractors so that you’ll ask the right questions. In addition, be aware of your HVAC system’s maintenance records so that you can pass along this information to contractors.
Tip 2: Get Referrals
Ask for recommendations from people who also work in building maintenance. If they’ve had success with commercial HVAC contractors, get the contact information for those companies. You’ll have peace of mind, knowing that these contractors are experienced and reliable.
Tip 3: Get References from Contractors
When you contact commercial HVAC contractors, ask for references from recent customers and then call those customers. Any reputable company will be able to offer a number of references. These customers can give you valuable background on how each company operates.
Tip 4: Ask for an Estimate in Writing
Ask each contractor to analyze your system and its maintenance and repair requirements, and to provide a quote in writing. All estimates should be free. This will allow you to look back and compare costs accurately.
Tip 5: Learn about Contractors’ Experience
Any good commercial HVAC contractor is experienced in many different kinds of heating and air conditioning setups. They should have expertise with everything from the latest energy-saving equipment to older equipment. Technicians should be regularly trained to keep up with changes in the HVAC industry.
Tip 6: Be Clear on Contracts
When you review a service contract for system maintenance, ask questions about anything that is unclear to you. Good HVAC maintenance prevents and predicts problems, includes restoring and repairing equipment, reduces energy costs, and makes your system more reliable. An HVAC company should employ mechanical contractors who are trained engineers, and who should keep work disruption and costs to a minimum while they update or replace your equipment. All of these points should be included in the contract.
Tip 7: Inquire about Guarantees on the Work
A good commercial HVAC contractor will guarantee its maintenance work, ensuring that they will improve the environment in your building, provide excellent service, and lower your energy costs. They will also make sure that your HVAC setup meets the National Fire Protection Association’s guidelines for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures (NFPA code 496), which are crucial to the safe operation of your system.
Tip 8: Obtain a Second Evaluation
It’s in the best interests of HVAC contractors to replace parts of your system instead of fixing them: they can charge more for replacement than for repairs. Before you agree to new pieces of equipment, consult with a second HVAC contractor. Often, restoring equipment that’s already in use will fix any issues for less money.
Make sure the HVAC contractor you hire meets high standards. If you put time and effort into checking on licenses, investigating reputations, asking questions about contracts and guarantees, and getting a second opinion when necessary, you’ll help ensure that the job gets done right. Contact local commercial HVAC contractor, Spectrum Mechanical & Service Contractors today.
