Selecting a contractor is an important step in purchasing a new central heating and air conditioning system. After you have completed researching your new system, you will want to contact a reliable, educated and experienced contractor to walk you through purchase, installation and extended service.
Below is a list of guidelines to help you select the contractor that is right for you.
Confirm that the Company is State Licensed
A heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor must have a state license and must be fully insured before he/she or his/her employees can charge you for work on your cooling or heating system. Laws concerning licensing and insurance were created to protect consumers. Contractors carrying licenses must follow (and are responsible to see that their employees follow) the mechanical codes that have been written to protect the consumer’s equipment and home. Furthermore, a person who is not licensed cannot purchase liability insurance.
To secure a state license, the contractor must have passed a state-licensing exam. In addition to testing prospective contractors for knowledge regarding the design, function, maintenance, and repair of cooling and heating systems, the exam also tests contractors’ knowledge of the state mechanical codes. The mechanical codes were written to protect building owners from the use of substandard materials or shortcuts that could make the building unsafe. Compliance with the mechanical code reduces the risk of your heating and cooling system malfunctioning in such a way as could cause damage to the building or injury to its occupants.
Novell Custom Heating and Air Conditioning Company is licensed by the state of California.
Our license number is C-20 958830
Don’t Confuse EPA Certification with State Licensing
Be aware that many individuals will imply that they are licensed to work on air conditioners because they possess Environmental Protection Agency certification allowing them to purchase and handle refrigerants such as Freon. An EPA certificate, while important, is a far cry from a state license. To obtain an EPA certificate, an individual must own and know how to use a recovery unit. The recovery unit captures the refrigerant that is released when a technician is working on an air conditioner or heat pump. This process reduces the damage caused to the ozone by refrigerants. An individual may become EPA certified and be allowed to purchase refrigerants for servicing his or her own home, place of business, or automobiles. However, the possession of an EPA certificate does not qualify him or her to work for pay on others’ residential or commercial cooling and heating systems.
In addition to a state license, Novell Custom Heating and Air Conditioning Company possesses a Universal EPA Certificate, the highest level of certification granted by the EPA.
Ask For References or Testimonials
Legitimate contractors should be willing to offer references upon request. It only takes a moment to make a phone call and ask if someone was satisfied with the contractor’s work. Read comments about the company by previous customers. Try to ask specific questions, about the contractor’s timeliness, ability to follow through on start and finish times, etc. The effort can lead to additional peace of mind. Contractors’ credentials can also be verified by contacting the Better Business Bureau and local associations, such as NATE.
Novell Custom Heating and Air Conditioning has a long list of satisfied customers. Visit Satisfied Customers to read some of them.
A Qualified Contractor
Your contractor should be affiliated with a nationally recognized heating ventilation and air conditioning manufacturer. Contractors that are nationally affiliated are trained in customer service, installation and product service. These individuals will be best prepared to help you find a system that meets your exact needs and will have a comprehensive understanding of the products available to you.
Client Relationships
A good contractor will take personal interest in your best interest. The contractor should ask to come to your home, evaluate your personal comfort needs and then make a recommendation as to the best system for your home. Watch out for contractors that would like to simply conduct business over the phone.
Dealer Warranties
Your contractor should be willing to explain, in detail, the product warranties they are eligible to offer. Different manufacturers offer different warranties, and you will want to understand all your options.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is key to ensuring the lasting efficiency and performance of your new system. A quality contractor will offer preventive maintenance agreements.
Experience is the Key
Contractors should be willing to answer any question the customer might have about their reputation, products and services. Experience is important, and an educated contractor is more likely to be able to handle any bumps in the road while you are purchasing, installing and servicing your system.
Strong Communication
Once a product has been selected, your contractor should offer you a written proposal. This proposal helps you to compare bids and to make sure the communication of your needs has been perfectly understood by the contractor. The written proposal is your opportunity to evaluate prices and specifics.
Put it in Writing
Finally, a reputable contractor will offer you a written and signed agreement that outlines the details of your purchase. This agreement should be consistent with the written proposal and seals your commitment, as well as the contractors, to a new heating or air conditioning system.