Hiring an HVAC Technician? Here are 5 Signs to Look For
Summertime isn’t the only thing that’s just around the corner. For contracting companies specializing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), their busiest time of year is rapidly approaching. Rising temperatures and peaking humidity can quickly pose a myriad of problems for your home’s HVAC system, and if (or when) issues arise, you’ll need to consult with a technician as soon as possible.
Where to begin your search?
The National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF), a Certified B Corp and U.S. DOE Home Improvement Expert Partner, provides lending services for improvements that increase the efficiency of homes and buildings. How do homeowners get access to NEIF’s innovative financing programs, making related upgrades more affordable?
NEIF partners with contractors who have been vetted for customer service, quality work, and financial stability — among other criteria.
More than 1,700 residential and commercial contractors across the nation have been awarded the NEIF Seal of Approval, authorizing them to offer their customers fixed-rate, low monthly payment options.
When hiring an HVAC technician, there are several factors — beyond looking at price of services and availability — that you’ll want to consider.
What Homeowners Should Be Looking For
- Commitment to Safety
Remember to always follow your gut instincts! Your contractor’s commitment to on-the-job safety should be apparent. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing protective gear, interacting appropriately and professionally with all members of the home, and working diligently on the installation. - Raving Reviews
Online reviews make a difference when selecting an HVAC contractor, according to a 2024 survey. Of the 400 homeowners that were polled, over 90% shared the sentiment that it was “extremely important,” “very important,” or “important” to consult with reviews prior to making a choice. As you likely already suspect, consistently positive comments are a pretty good indication of quality and contractor reliability. - Transparent Communication
Not only should a contractor be truthful and open about pricing, they should also be transparent in all aspects of communication with you as a customer — about supply of equipment, about installation timeline(s), about appointment wait times. Especially as we close in on the summer season and companies become increasingly busy, you’ll want to work with someone who you can trust to keep you in the loop each step of the way. - The NEIF Seal of Approval
For homeowners in select states, you may be eligible to participate in one of NEIF’s affordable financing programs. For starters, you’ll want to use the interactive residential program map to determine which options are available for you.
From there, NEIF’s online Find a Contractor tool will allow you to narrow your NEIF-Approved Contractor search by location, contractor specialty, and property type, among other filters. - Proper Licensing & Certifications
If your chosen HVAC contractor is approved through NEIF, you’re already covered in this department! In general, a good rule of thumb for verifying this information is to check a contractor’s website. You’ll likely find a listing of qualifications, credentials, training, and licensing here. Other resources for confirming licensure status and overall competency include the Better Business Bureau, Angi (formerly known as Angie’s List), word-of-mouth-referrals, and review websites. Don’t be afraid to ask around!
By keeping these signs in mind, you can navigate the process of hiring an HVAC technician with confidence — no matter the time of year or how busy the season is.
For more information on working with NEIF-Approved Contractors on a residential improvement, click here.
SOURCES: ACHR News, Indoor Temp
