CT Contractor Hiring Checklist

Choosing the Right Contractor

In a perfect world, choosing a good contractor would be an easy process. Unfortunately, knowing how to choose a good contractor to service your heating and cooling equipment can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for or what to expect from contractors beforehand.

Whether or not you choose us as your contractor, we at Tri-City feel you should know what to expect or what to look for when choosing an contractor.  This will help you weed out the good contractors from the bad.

Along with most manufacturer’s recommendations, we have developed a list of qualities to look for when choosing an HVAC contractor.

• Avoid any contractor offering you an estimate without coming out and looking at the job. Such Contractors may not be interested in a good installation or correcting existing problems, just in getting in and out — with your money.
• A qualified estimator will complete a survey and take measurements to run a heat-load calculation for your home. Many existing units aren’t properly sized, and better contractors provide equipment that exactly meets your home’s load requirements. This can be less expensive and provide better indoor comfort.
• A good estimator will supply you a written proposal clearly outlining the work to be done and the price agreed upon.
• A reliable contractor will usually provide more than one system choice to best fit your needs.
• An estimator for a reliable company should ask about heating and cooling problems you may have experienced with your old equipment and then offer understandable solutions.
• A good company will usually have a financing plan. Most reliable contractors offer extended warranties when you purchase your efficient comfort system.
• A well trained, up-to-date contractor won’t try to discourage you from purchasing high-efficiency equipment. If he does, get a second opinion.
• A good contractor is professional. Their people are prompt; they meet appointments; they are courteous, neat and well-groomed. This neatness should be reflected in their vehicles and offices.
• They should have an office/shop facility and not be ashamed to have you visit it.
• A history of business problems or customer complaints may spell trouble. (check Better Business Bureau and Registrar of Contractors reports)
• Many less qualified companies don’t provide employees proper training. Rather than keep current with the latest technology, some discourage selling new designs.
• Your assurance of a satisfactory installation may depend on whether that company stays in business for the first year of warranty. Those who have an office/shop are far more likely to be in business in the future. You don’t have to take the first price that comes along; if a company is questionable, get quotes until you find one that meets your standards. Demand quality.

If your system exhibits any of the following warning signs, it's time to call Tri-City!

• Your central air conditioner or heat pump is 10 years or older
• Your electricity use increases while your comfort decreases
• Your cooling system is noisy
• Your system runs longer to maintain the same thermostat setting