How to Find the Right HVAC Contractor

When you’re searching online for an HVAC contractor, it typically means something is broken, or you’re looking to upgrade your current system. Hiring a reputable contractor is an important decision that shouldn’t be made in haste.

You want the person you’re inviting into your home to be trustworthy and honest about repairs or services and the costs associated with them. You also need a contractor who is competent in the work they’re doing – whether it’s a simple repair or an entire system overhaul.

Finding a Reliable Contractor

We know you don’t have all day to search for the right HVAC contractor – especially if the heater konks out in the winter or the AC takes a break on a 90-degree day. But there are a few things you should do before making a hire.

When it comes to heating and air conditioning contractors in San Bernardino, Redlands and the surrounding area, you have many to choose from. Of course, we hope you will always choose Sanborn’s Air Conditioning & Heating, but our purpose here is to help you out. Here are a few tips to guide you when making your hiring choice.

Do your homework

Know what work needs done in your home so you can clearly tell the technician your specific needs. Tell them the make and model of your heating and cooling system, how old it is and its maintenance history. Do you have routine maintenance performed on it each year? Make some notes about what needs to be done, including any uncomfortable rooms or other problems you’re having with your system.

Are they insured?

Learn about the requirements for contractors in your state. The company should meet all the proper licensing and insurance regulations. Ask the technician to show their proof of insurance to make sure they are covered.

Ask for referrals

One of the best ways to learn if a company is reputable is through referrals. Ask your friends and neighbors who they’re used in the past and whether the work was completed on time and within budget.

Research the HVAC company

Learn as much as possible about the company by searching their website and talking with them over the phone or in person. Ask how long they’ve been in business and, if possible, meet the contractor in person before extensive work begins.

You can search company reviews on a number of online sites, including the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, Google and Yelp.

Look for warning signs

Just like with any profession, there’s a small percentage of HVAC contractors that aren’t reputable. If the tech is pressuring you to sign a contract or wants a large sum of money up front, those are red flags, and that contractor should be ruled out.

Check references

If you’re serious about hiring a contractor, ask them to provide you with a couple of references that you can call. Ask the reference what type of work the technician performed, the customer service and whether the job was completed on time and within budget.

Expect a home evaluation

If you’re hiring an HVAC contractor for an expensive job – such as a new furnace, AC or an entire HVAC system overhaul – they should evaluate your entire home. This includes checking the size of the house, insulation quality and type of windows. They should also inspect the ducts and measure airflow.

All of these factor into the size and type of system your house needs.

Get a written estimate

The costs of an HVAC service call can quickly add up, so it’s a smart idea to request a written, itemized estimate. You can compare the costs with other companies that you’ve asked for estimates from.

Remember, the lowest price isn’t always the best, so use the estimate as a piece of the overall puzzle when hiring.

Official proposal in writing

It’s a good idea to get everything in writing before work begins. This includes the projects costs, model numbers of the equipment and units, a scheduled completion time and date and information about warranties.

Trust Sanborn’s with All Your HVAC Needs

We believe the careful process of hiring the right HVAC will lead you to Sanborn’s for your next HVAC service call in Redlands. You won’t find another contractor that offers our 5-star guarantees of comfort, cost, quality, completion and carefree.

We pledge to provide competitively priced, quality products and services delivered in a timely manner that offer our customers optimum comfort and efficient operation. We have no hidden costs and you will know the price before we start. Sanborn’s Air Conditioning & Heating proudly stands behind our workmanship for every heating and cooling project we work on in Redlands and the entire Inland Empire. Contact us today to discuss your next repair or project!