What to Ask a Contractor

Most people take for granted the comfort provided by their central air conditioner, heat pump or furnace until something goes wrong and the unit needs to be serviced or replaced. When this happens it's important to contact a quality heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) contractor who is knowledgeable, skilled and qualified to do the job.

The HVACR industry is highly technical and can be frightening to those that know nothing about how the equipment works in their home. It's important that consumers are as educated about the product they are buying or having service. The first step is to understand what is required of the contractor that is being called - required by the local jurisdiction, state, and industry.

In insure satisfaction that following are questions that should be asked of a prospective HVACR contractor:

• Are you licensed?
  • Maryland, Virginia, and the District all require HVACR contractors to be licensed.
  • Don't just take their verbal word - ask to see a copy of the license (at the minimum ask for the license number).
• Are your technicians CFC certified?
  • Any technician working with refrigerant needs to have a certification mandated by EPA showing that he is trained and certified in the proper techniques for recovering, recycling, reclaiming and disposing of used refrigerant - ask to see a copy of the certification card (it needs to say EPA approved program).
• Do you carry the proper business and workmen compensation insurance required to do the work?
  • If they are licensed in the State they should already satisfy this question.
• Are you going to give me your quote in writing (on a printed form - not scratched out on a piece of plan paper)?
  • This should outline what the contractor's, as well as the consumer's, responsibilities are.
• Do you have the desire and ability to perform warranty service throughout the warranty period?
  • Some contractors only install - they won't service the equipment.
• Don't consider price only.
  • Be sure that you are comparing "apples to apples" when considering more than one contractor.
  • Be sure they are quoting you on the same size unit and offering the same service.
• Will you please provide references?
  • Find out if other customers are satisfied.
• When the HVACR contractor arrives:
  • Does the contractor/technician have proper identification?
  • Are they in a clearly identified company vehicle?
  • Is the technician clean?
  • Do they respect the consumers property?
• Ask if the contractor is a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
  • Consumers can call ACCA locally to confirm if their contractor is a member (301-384-ACCA or e-mail to plupson@acca.ncc).