If you are building a home or office or have an existing home or building that you want to air condition, working with HVAC contractors is the best way to go to ensure that you have a professionally installed and trouble-free system. Air conditioning contractors are typically well experienced in residential, commercial, or both types of air conditioning systems and generally work with any type of system that you choose to purchase. Some HVAC contractors will recommend or prefer a specific type or model of air conditioner or system based on the space and requirements of the job, however, most are flexible with regards to what specific brand of unit is purchased and installed.
Before selecting or choosing air conditioning contractors to work on your residence or commercial building, the first step is to familiarize yourself with some basic terminology. You will be installing or upgrading either conventional forced-air systems or high-velocity air conditioning systems. In addition, you should also have an idea of the floor space, special aspects of the project such as attached buildings, multiple floor levels, or even special areas such as sunrooms or covered decks that are to be included as air-conditioned spaces. In addition, it is important to know your budget and what options you can do without in order to bring the project within your budget.
Try to talk to at least 3 HVAC contractors with regards to your project and keep written records of the answers to your questions. They should also provide a written estimate of the cost of the project. In addition, be sure to ask the contractors on your list the following questions:
What experience do you have with this type of project?
Not only is experience important in providing an accurate estimate but it also can help with regards to potential problems or costly changes that might need to occur with the design. If the project is still in the blueprint stage the air conditioning contractor may make recommendations to the plan that could end up making the air conditioning and heating system more efficient and cost-effective.
What is the energy rating they typically obtain through their systems?
As the price of home heating and cooling continues to increase dramatically every year, working with air conditioning contractors that are familiar with energy-saving features or “green features” that can be implemented to cut down the overall cost of long-term use is essential.
Ask what air conditioning unit the contractor recommends, its cost, and what the maintenance requirements are for the unit.
Some units are initially lower cost but are higher maintenance over the long run, while others are more expensive initially but have very minimal maintenance costs throughout the life of the unit.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask the air conditioning contractors for references that you can speak to regarding their workmanship and the quality of the service provided.
