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Important questions you should ask an HVAC technician before hiring them to work in your home
Hiring the right HVAC contractor to install a new system in your home isn’t just about finding someone who’s available to do the job—it’s about ensuring you’re working with an experienced, trustworthy professional who can identify the issues and explain your replacement options in an honest, straightforward way.
The last thing anyone wants is a technician who is pushy, tries to upsell unnecessary services, or leaves them feeling uneasy. A good contractor should always prioritize their client’s comfort and satisfaction, not just their own bottom line.
To make sure you choose the best Houston HVAC contractor for your needs, we suggest you start by asking the following essential questions.
1. What size unit do I need?
Choosing the correct size HVAC unit is crucial for both efficiency and comfort. An undersized unit will struggle to maintain your desired temperature, leading to excessive wear, higher energy bills, and frequent breakdowns. On the other hand, an oversized unit may short cycle—turning on and off too quickly—preventing proper air circulation and humidity control.
HVAC systems are typically measured in tons (for cooling) or BTUs (British thermal units) for heating. A rough rule of thumb is that you’ll need 1 ton of cooling capacity for every 500 feet of space. However, the most accurate way to determine the appropriate size HVAC for your home is through a Manual J Load Calculation.
This calculation factors in details like:
- Square footage
- Insulation
- Window types
- The climate where you live
Make sure to ask your contractor how they determine the right size for your system. A reliable contractor will take the time to analyze your home properly rather than guessing or oversizing the unit just to sell you a more expensive system.
2. How efficient will my new system be?
Today, manufacturers offer energy efficient HVAC systems that come with a SEER rating, which is the amount of cooling produced divided by its energy usage. Unfortunately, these more efficient models usually come with a much higher initial price tag.
If you’re considering one of these models, be sure to ask your HVAC contractor how long it will take for the energy savings to pay for the added cost of the unit. In other words, at what point will you actually see a cost savings? For most people, the effect on their electric bill is ultimately what matters.
3. What energy-saving tips or upgrades would you recommend?
A knowledgeable HVAC contractor should be able to suggest practical ways to improve your system’s efficiency and lower your energy bills. Beyond just installing a new unit, there are often additional upgrades—like programmable thermostats, improved insulation, or duct sealing—that can enhance your system’s performance.
Ask your contractor if they offer energy-saving solutions tailored to your home, and find out if there are any rebates or incentives available for making those upgrades. The best contractors won’t just sell you equipment—they’ll help you optimize your entire home’s energy efficiency, ensuring long-term savings and comfort.
4. Are there any new technologies available?
Asking about new technology tells you a lot about the contractor and how up-to-date they are. See what the contractors know about ductless systems and different types of thermostats (like smart thermostats) to determine if they’re truly passionate about their field or just in it to make a quick buck.
5. What brands do you sell and service?
There are many different types of HVAC systems available in today’s market. Asking about the types and brands a particular HVAC technician specializes in will not only tell you if they’re trying to push a particular one, but it can also help save you money. As with any product, sometimes you’re simply paying for the brand name with no improvement in quality.
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6. How much does it cost to install a new HVAC, and do you offer financing?
Installing a new HVAC system is a significant investment, often costing several thousand dollars depending on the size, brand, and complexity of the installation. Because this can be a financial burden for many homeowners, it’s important to ask your contractor not only about the total cost but also whether they offer financing options.
Some HVAC companies partner with financing providers to offer flexible payment plans, allowing you to pay over time with monthly installments. Others may accept credit cards or have in-house financing options, which can make it easier to manage the cost without having to pay everything upfront.
Make sure to ask if there are any interest rates or fees associated with financing options so you understand the full cost.
A trustworthy contractor will be transparent about pricing and upfront about all available financing options, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision.
7. Does the new system come with any warranty or guarantees?
Find out what guarantees come with the work and the equipment. It’s important for you to know how long a system will be under a manufacturer’s warranty. You should also find out if the contractor’s work is under warranty and, if so, for how long.
When asking about warranties, be sure to ask about the fine details of service, as many warranties require routine service or the warranty will be void.
8. Do you offer emergency services or repairs?
HVAC systems don’t wait for convenient times to break down—whether it’s a sweltering summer night or a cold winter morning, sudden malfunctions can leave you uncomfortable and frustrated. That’s why it’s important to ask if the contractor offers emergency services or after-hours repairs.
Knowing you can call for help 24/7 or during weekends and holidays provides peace of mind, especially if you rely heavily on your heating or cooling system. Be sure to ask if there are additional fees for emergency visits and how quickly they typically respond to urgent calls.
9. Can I use my current air ducts?
When having a new HVAC system installed, being able to use your existing air ducts is a money-saver unless you’re planning to go ductless. If your original ductwork is in good shape, ask if the contractor is willing to help find a new system that will work with the existing setup to save on costs. An honest contractor will do what they can to allow you to keep your ductwork if possible.
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10. Can I get any tax credits or rebates for the installation?
Being able to get a tax credit or rebate for the installation can greatly reduce the cost of the project. Sometimes, a manufacturer will provide a rebate for the purchase of their product, or the government will give you a tax break for making your home more energy efficient.
A reliable contractor will know about these discounts and be able to give you an upfront answer.
11. Do you handle any permits for the job (if needed)?
In some cases, HVAC work requires government permits. This may be because there’s a possibility of interfering with neighboring properties or an issue of property taxes. While the price of such permits will likely be added to the job, a sign of a good HVAC contractor is if they handle any permits for you since they should have experience in this area.
12. Will the installation disrupt my home, and how do you manage the cleanup?
Installing a new HVAC system can be a big job, so it’s more than fair to ask how the contractor will minimize disruptions to your daily routine. A professional contractor should be transparent about whether any areas of your home will need to be temporarily off limits and what steps they’ll take to protect your floors, walls, and furniture during the process.
Also, make sure to ask about their cleanup practices. Will they remove old equipment, dispose of debris, and leave your space as clean as they found it?
The best contractors will treat your home with care, ensuring the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible from start to finish.
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13. When will the job be completed?
When the HVAC project will be done and how long it will take are important things to know, especially if you need to plan to have somebody home when the work is being done. Scheduling may not always be exact, but a rough time estimate should be possible.
14. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Before hiring an HVAC contractor, it’s essential to confirm that they’re licensed, bonded, and insured. A valid license ensures the contractor meets the required standards and has the proper training to install or repair your system. Being bonded also provides a layer of financial protection if the contractor fails to complete the job or if issues arise with the project.
Insurance is equally important because it protects you from being held financially responsible in case of accidents or property damage during the job. Always ask for proof of these credentials to make sure you’re working with a reputable contractor who can back up their work.
15. Can you provide references or customer reviews?
A trustworthy HVAC contractor should have no problem sharing references or pointing you to their customer reviews. Hearing directly from previous clients can give you valuable insights into the contractor’s professionalism, punctuality, and quality of work.
Look for reviews that highlight how the company handles unexpected issues, respects their clients’ homes, and communicates throughout the project.
If a contractor seems hesitant to provide references, this could be a red flag. Checking customer feedback ensures you’re hiring someone who prioritizes satisfaction and follows through on their promises.
Looking for the best HVAC company in Houston?
Never be afraid to ask questions before hiring an HVAC contractor to ensure you choose the right company for your needs.
At Richmond’s Air, we’ve been providing top-notch HVAC, furnace, and AC repair and installation services to Houston homeowners since 2002. We’re proud to be veteran-owned and operated with an A+ rating from the BBB. All of our HVAC technicians are professionally licensed and insured, and we offer a 10-year parts and labor warranty on system replacements. We also have a number of financing options available.
