There is a lot of confusion when it comes to heating and air conditioning company, and HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) companies. In this post, we’re going to explain what differences there are between HVAC companies and contractors that perform A/C and heating installations and service work. Hopefully, we can stop the madness, end the confusion, and help you get the right contractor you need that actually makes a difference when it comes to your heating and cooling needs!
What Does an HVAC and “Heating and Air Conditioning” Contractor Do?
Many HVAC contractors specialize in heating and cooling, as well as helping to give your home the proper ventilation for your heating and cooling needs while helping to maintain not only your budgeted wallet but also to make sure that energy efficiency needs are met.
Contractors will get a bid on your project by normally offering an analysis of what the service call is for, then they’ll do the work, and be done. Contractors will vary in price, and even more by whatever job they have, as well as how much experience they have. Believe it or not, some of the most experienced contractors have even been found to offer the best prices when it comes to the quality of work performed!
What is the Difference?
Honestly, there is no difference when it comes to the titles of the acronyms between Heating and Air Conditioning, and HVAC. These different titles are exactly the same and just a different way that someone references the person or company. What is different though is whether you are getting work done from an HVAC contractor or a company that is usually a team of HVAC contractors who are licensed and insured in a group setting.
What Do I Need to Look For?
Whether you hire an HVAC company or an HVAC contractor who is a sole proprietor, you want to make sure that every person who’s going to be doing work on your home is fully licensed as a contractor in your state and insured. If they can’t provide proof of those things to you, then you may want to look elsewhere. Also, you want to make sure that you’re not getting what’s called a “low-balled” price. As you know the cost of becoming an HVAC specialist is way more than you think so this is a price that is too good to be true (if it sounds like it is, treat it like it is, and don’t just go for the cheapest one).
The reason for this, is because you shouldn’t have to be responsible for anything that may happen, and this is exactly what will happen if your contractor doesn’t have the right experience or the insurance to cover his rear end (Just ask Wal-Mart about their remodeling lawsuit [among many others] and you’ll understand why).
Conclusion
Finding the right contractor for your furnace replacement can be tough, but you want to make sure you ask plenty of questions, and you’ll find the right one. Be sure to check websites like Angie’s List, look for positive reviews on sites like Yelp, and never forget to ask for a portfolio. If they can’t provide you the information you’re looking for, then keep asking around and getting bids before you sign anything over.
