How to Select an HVAC Contractor – 4 Questions You Need to Ask - Black Bear Fuel
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How to Select an HVAC Contractor – 4 Questions You Need to Ask

Photo of a Black Bear Fuel Oil HVAC contractor who is checking a clipboard in Harris, NY

There will probably come a time when you’ll need to find an expert contractor to service, repair or tune-up your heating or cooling equipment (or your plumbing systems, for that matter). The question is how do you find a good one?

When you’re looking for a quality HVAC technician, these four questions will help you separate the candidates you’ll want to work with from the ones you want to avoid:

  1. Do you have a license number and proof of insurance? License numbers are registered with the state in which a contractor operates – do your research! Also ask for proof of insurance for both liability and workman’s compensation – otherwise you can put yourself at unexpected risk for liability on work completed in your home.
  2. How long have you been an HVAC contractor? Experience matters! So does training. The industry is full of unlicensed, inexperienced operators – along with technicians who are not up-to-date on the latest systems and technologies. Ask questions, and find out what your contractor knows.
  3. Can you provide references or testimonials? Personal recommendations can really help ease your mind when working with a contractor for the first time. Ask for referrals from past customers – if your candidate can’t provide any, move on.
  4. Can I get it in writing? A professional will stand by his work. Ask for everything in writing – from the initial estimate to the warranty your contractor plans to provide on his work. And don’t forget to tell him about warranties already on your current HVAC system so he doesn’t accidentally void them (if he doesn’t know to ask about them, that’s not a good sign).

If you need a qualified HVAC technician service your old equipment (or install an equipment upgrade) and are tempted by the lowest cost option available to you, always remember that you get what you pay for!

If you want a fair price with guaranteed quality work delivered by licensed, insured, and highly experienced technicians, then look no further than Black Bear Fuels.

Contact us today to join the Black Bear family!