The heating and air conditioning system of your building is one of your most substantial investments. You rely on the HVAC system to work comfortably all year round, so you need a dependable one, along with a reliable HVAC contractor to install and maintain it.

Whether you want to install a new HVAC system or just need to repair your existing one, your best option is to hire 

a qualified HVAC contractor. The success of your project depends on the contractor you work with, so you need to be picky when choosing an HVAC contractor.

Looking for an HVAC contractor can be a challenging task but the process will be easier if you know what you are looking for. There are certain characteristics that make an HVAC contractor exceptional. Check them out below: 

1. Licensed 

Your HVAC system is most likely among the most expensive pieces of equipment in your home. So to ensure that it gets properly installed, look for an HVAC contractor with the proper license. Most states require contractors to obtain a license to provide HVAC services legally. This system is in place to protect you as a building owner by ensuring only contractors that are professional, skillful, and knowledgeable about the services they provide will work on your property. So before hiring a contractor, verify that their license is valid using a website provided by the state in which they do business. 

2. Knowledgeable and experienced

When it comes to handling HVAC systems, especially their maintenance and repair, the knowledge and experience of an HVAC contractor is important. They need to have a competent understanding of refrigerants, electrical wiring, combustion systems, and the other components that make up an HVAC system. As HVAC systems become more advanced and sophisticated, technicians should also be up to date with the latest in HVAC technology and trends. 

The knowledge and experience of an HVAC contractor are also critical to safety. Ventilation and exhaust systems, particularly in furnaces, are complex. Without the expert knowledge of a contractor, an HVAC system will be prone to malfunctions and this could result in injuries and even death in events such as carbon monoxide poisoning. 

3. Reputable and well-reviewed

Reputation is not something a contractor builds overnight but is rather developed through positive customer experiences over time. A good HVAC contractor will be able to provide you with a list of clients you can get in touch with to verify the quality of their work. In addition, you can check online reviews on social media or other websites to see if past clients do recommend the services the contractor provided. 

4. Provides a clear estimate

One of the first things a contractor does on the job is a thorough building inspection to determine the right equipment and size. Accurate measurements are crucial in ensuring the efficiency of your HVAC unit. A reliable HVAC contractor will be able to give a detailed quote that includes details on equipment size, manufacturer, a breakdown of the cost of the materials to be purchased as well as clear payment terms. Make sure when doing price comparisons that your bids are for the same scope of work.  

5. Punctual and prompt

During the initial inquiry, a reliable contractor will give you a precise schedule and actually stick to it. Being punctual and prompt is a sign that they respect your time and they have a strong work ethic. Punctuality is doubly important as HVAC emergencies can happen when you least expect them and they need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Good contractors will always aim to complete the project on schedule. 

There are plenty of HVAC contractors near you who will compete for your HVAC project. However, chances are not all of them have all the qualities that make an excellent HVAC contractor. When choosing an HVAC contractor, look for the qualities listed above to ensure that you make the right choice. The results of a bad HVAC installation can have costly, long-lasting impacts to building occupants and the equipment purchased and the building itself. 

About the Author: 
Patrick Hogan is the CEO of Handle.com, where they build software that helps contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers with late payments. Handle.com also provides funding for construction businesses in the form of invoice factoring, material supply trade credit, and mechanics lien purchasing.