When snowy days and frigid temps strike, the last thing you want is for your Fairfax County home to be without heat. But if your furnace quits, it’s best not to just call the first HVAC company that pops up on Google. You want to be sure you can trust a HVAC contractor in your home, and that the service is done right. If you don’t already have a trusted HVAC company on speed dial, here’s what you need to look for in a qualified company, and how to prepare for their service call:
Ask for Referrals
Your honest friends and neighbors will tell you which HVAC companies they’ve had a good experience with. If they’ve had technicians who’ve tracked mud through their homes and threw cigarette butts on their lawns, steer clear.
Research Credentials
Check the HVAC company’s website or ask about their credentials over the phone. All HVAC contractors should be licensed and insured. In addition, a good organization will perform background checks on all technicians.
Be Prepared to Tell Them About Your System
Before you call an HVAC company, find out the model of your current furnace and have your records handy to tell them about its maintenance history. Be ready to tell them what the issue is, and what you need from them. This will help them to tell you if they’re the best company for your needs.
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Know What to Expect During an In-Home Evaluation
The HVAC contractor should come to your home in a company vehicle. He or she will inspect your system and tell you whether your furnace is salvageable or needs to be replaced.
Ask About Energy Efficient Options
HVAC contractors should be able to recommend ENERGY STAR equipment that will help you save on energy bills. You may want to review ENERGY STAR’s Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling before calling a contractor so you have an idea of what you may want.
Get Prices, Proposals and Contracts In Writing
If you’re getting bids from several HVAC companies, be sure to get all estimates written down so you can compare product and installation costs as well as warranty information. A low installation price may not be the best deal if the system is overpriced.
Once you make your decision, have your HVAC contractor sign a proposal stating project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.
You Can Trust Snell Heating and Air Conditioning With All of the Above
We are licensed and insured, and our stand-up HVAC contractors are background checked. The team at our HVAC company promises to thoroughly inspect your furnace and its components before giving you an estimate, and make recommendations for the most energy efficient options. We offer furnace repair and installation services in areas of Virginia such as Centreville, Alexandria, Arlington, and Reston. We will do everything we can to get your furnace up and running again or replace it as soon as possible – and we’ll do it right the first time. Your warmth is our priority, so if you need trustworthy HVAC help in Northern Virginia this winter, give us a call!