How to choose an HVAC contractor part 2

Make sure they are able to answer the following questions and provide you with copies of licenses and certification.

• How many years has the company been in business?

• Do you have a copy of your HVAC license?

• Do you carry liability and workers comp. insurance?

• Are your technicians certified to handle refrigerant gas?

• Do you have a permanent non-residence place of business?

• Can you provide customer references?

Do not hire a contractor who can quote a price over the phone. And definitely don’t be mislead by contractors who will offer to replace your old equipment with the same size unit without doing any measurements, inspections or diagnostic tests. Over half of new systems are the wrong size, installed improperly, and attached to an inadequate existing duct system. As a result, they waste an average of one third of the energy purchased to run them.

A good contractor is committed to 100% customer satisfaction and should be asking you a lot of questions before they go ahead and just give you a quote. The HVAC contractor should also explain your different options and not just give you a quote for the cheapest least efficient product that will be “good enough”.

A quality contractor is more interested in serving you than in selling you. He builds his business on long term service relationships and referrals from extremely happy clients, rather than making the quick buck. He believes in truly solving his clients' problems and only putting in systems that really work right, even if it may mean he initially sells new equipment to fewer homeowners.

While price matters, don't let the initial price be the only consideration when choosing a heating and cooling contractor. As with most things in life, price is usually an indication of quality. And high quality is essential for a new heating and cooling system.

The low price you see advertised may not be the price you end up paying. Some contractors offer an unrealistically low price to get the job and then pressure you into paying a lot more after starting.

How to choose an HVAC contractor part 1

When considering the purchase of a new air conditioning system, you should always shop for quality first and price second. But the most important thing is to have the right contractor install the system. If you choose the wrong contractor, you could face many years of headaches, frustration and high energy bills.

All Contractors are not the same.

There is a huge variation in competence and ethics. You’ve probably seen the undercover reports that expose dishonest contractors. Even though only a small percentage of HVAC companies are blatantly dishonest, the Better Business Bureau ranks heating and cooling as one of the highest complaint generating industries.

The majority of Air Conditioning companies are honest, but most of them simply do not have the ongoing training or business systems in place to properly serve their customers. Using a company that is not up to date with the newest technology may result in excessive utility bills, inefficient operation of the new system, premature system failure or high repair bills.

Take the time to find an air conditioning company that is ethical, keeps their employees well trained, and makes customer service a priority.

Heating and air conditioning is the most complex home service trade. You cannot risk having an amateur or a dishonest contractor install your new equipment.

Remembering September 11th

This coming September 11th will mark 10 years since the New York terrorist attacks. This event has touched each and every one of us in one way or another.

When we think of 911 we remember those brave men and women who risked life and limb.

On September 11th the Sarasota Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund is holding a parade on Main street in Sarasota. This parade is not just for fire fighters – but will also include state and city police, paramedics, hazmat, swat, sheriff and other departments from Tampa to Naples.

Please join us in honoring those who we have lost, and those who gave their lives to save others.

For more information please click here

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating Supports our local Firefighters!

Is Your AC Tech A Jack Of All Trades?

It is estimated that over half of all air conditioning systems operating in the U.S. were not installed properly.

An improperly installed system will not work efficiently and will result in expensive repair and utility bills. Hiring the cheapest contractor is never a good idea, and when it comes to the specialized and complicated industry of HVAC – you definitely need to hire a professional. The company that comes up with the lowest bid will have to cut their costs somewhere.

Examples of improperly installed air conditioning systems can include: undersized and un-insulated refrigerant lines, ducts not sealed or insulated, over sized or undersized air conditioning equipment, mismatched indoor and outdoor sections, improperly charged refrigerant, wiring that has not been upgraded.

Ever hear the saying “Jack of all trades – master of none”. A company that offers Air Conditioning, Plumbing, electrical and other services may not be able to offer the same high level of quality and service as a company that specializes in only Air Conditioning. Your local handyman definitely does not have the knowledge or the experience to properly maintain or repair your Air Conditioning.

Much in the same way that the backyard auto mechanic has become obsolete, the increasing sophistication of today’s air conditioning systems requires technicians to constantly fine tune their skills.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. sticks with what we do best. No plumbing, no electrical, no landscaping – just the best Air Conditioning and heating!

Call us today and get the quality and service you deserve!