Choosing the Right HVAC Company for a New Furnace
Selecting a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company to replace your existing furnace can be a daunting task.
You want a company you can trust that can complete the job correctly, on time, and within budget. Do a little homework before you hire an installation team to avoid frustration in the long run.
Midwest Air Pros can point you in the right direction. We work with expert HVAC teams in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska and can recommend professionals who will guide you from equipment selection to installation.
With our recommendations in hand, you are ready to start researching potential companies to hire. With that in mind, we recommend seeking quotes from at least three companies—especially for a larger project.
What Should a Furnace Quote Include?
Whether you live in Wichita, Des Moines, Springfield, or Omaha, choosing the right HVAC company makes a difference. Set aside time for a company representative to visit your home and give you a written estimate. The HVAC professional will get a chance to see the size and layout of your home, view where your existing furnace is located, and examine your ductwork.
The estimate should include costs for the furnace, parts, and labor. Ask the company to list the components included in the price. Find out if the labor cost includes disposing of your old furnace. Is the cost of a municipal permit included?
What About Warranties?
The bottom line for your furnace project is essential information when comparing potential installers. However, price should not be the only factor you consider. You also should know how the manufacturer warrants their product and how installers guarantee their work. Ask the HVAC company for details.
How long is the warranty effective, and what does it cover? What are the remedies for installation-related problems?
What Brands Are Offered?
Ask what furnace brands the company sells and installs. Are the company’s technicians trained to install and repair specific equipment brands? Ask them for their training certification from the manufacturer. At Midwest Air Pros, we can recommend companies that offer the products you want.
If the company does not carry your favorite furnace brand, ask them about the benefits of the equipment they sell. Compare features and costs. Find out which ENERGY STAR® certified furnaces they recommend.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), ENERGY STAR certified heating and cooling equipment, when properly installed, can save 10 to 30 percent annually on your energy bill.
Licensing, Insurance, Certifications
Ask if the company is licensed to perform HVAC work. Iowa, for example, requires HVAC contractors to be licensed by the state. There is no state licensing mandates for HVAC contractors in Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas, although local licenses may be required.
Be sure the business is insured.
Find out if the technicians are certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is the largest nonprofit certification organization in the United States for HVAC and refrigeration technicians. Technicians with at least two years of experience can earn certification in one or more HVAC specialty areas by passing a core knowledge exam and an installation or service test.
Other Tips to Consider:
- Find out how long the company has been in business.
- Read the company’s online reviews from several sites, such as Facebook, Google, and Yelp.
- Check out Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for complaints against the company.
- Ask the company for references.
Do Your Homework Today
Now that you know what questions to ask a potential HVAC installer, let Midwest Air Pros suggest three companies to provide you with estimates. We are confident we work with the best HVAC teams for furnace installation in Omaha, NE, Kansas City, MO, Des Moines, ID, Wichita, KS. Visit our site and we can help you find a pro near you.