How to Choose an HVAC Contractor: The Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask

Repairs or replacements for your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) can come with a high price tag. But it’s important to keep these systems running well: They keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and can limit the amount of dust and pollen in your air.

Finding the right HVAC contractor can be the difference between your system running smoothly or failing when you need it most. Choosing the wrong professional can result in not only uncomfortable temperatures in your home, but also repeat breakdowns and costly repairs. The best HVAC contractor isn’t always the first one that pops up in your search — or the cheapest. It’s important to consider credentials, pricing, warranties, customer ratings and more before committing to a contractor.

Here’s how to choose an HVAC contractor, including all the questions you should ask before hiring them.

1. Seek referrals and read reviews

One of the best ways to find a solid contractor is to have them referred by a trusted source, such as a friend, family member or neighbor. Social media communities like your local neighborhood Facebook group can also be helpful.

You can search Google and Yelp for local contractors and read through reviews of their performances and communication. If reviewers note that the contractor missed appointments, added surprise costs to the bill or wasn’t around for support after an installation, you probably don’t want to work with them.

Online marketplace for home services Angi is another resource for connecting home service professionals with clients.

2. Check credentials and licensing

Whether you’re seeking someone to inspect your HVAC system and make sure it’s working properly, or someone to repair broken equipment, it’s important that you choose a qualified professional.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification is the largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians, according to its description on the Department of Energy’s website. Certification shows real-world knowledge of the systems, and the exams are created by industry experts so you can trust that a contract with this certification knows what they’re doing when it comes to HVAC systems. HVAC Excellence is another trusted organization with more than 400,000 certifications.

Contractors who handle refrigerants must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some states have their own license requirements as well.

3. Make sure they have experience with your system

Some contractors specialize in certain types of systems. If you’re having an issue with your air conditioning, you don’t want to hire someone who specializes in furnaces.

Ask the contractor whether they have experience doing repairs on your type of system. If you have certain needs — such as those that come with living in an older home — it’s a good idea to include those details in an initial conversation.

Energy Star-qualified products meet strict guidelines by the EPA because they use less energy, and can often make you eligible for rebates and incentives from your utilities companies. “Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment,” according to Energy Star’s website.

4. Ask about warranties, maintenance and follow-ups

When speaking with a potential contractor, ask whether they offer warranties should the system defect after your repair.

“The most important advice I can give people shopping for HVAC systems is to make sure to go with a company that offers a money-back guarantee,” says Scott Urquhart, sales and operations executive at ARS. “You get to run this system for a year, and if there's anything you don't like with it, the company has to make it right."

Asking about money-back guarantees can save you a headache (and money) should your system break down soon after the repair.

It’s also important to ask about maintenance and follow-ups. Will the contractor be available to come check back on the HVAC system and ensure it’s working correctly? Are they available for emergencies and biannual inspections?

5. Get estimates and compare prices

Your contractor may not be able to tell you exactly how much a repair will cost without inspecting your system, but you can ask them for an estimate to make sure their services are in your budget. HVAC service contracts generally cost between $150 and $500 annually, according to Angi.

Don’t necessarily go with the first contractor you speak to. Collect estimates from several HVAC professionals so you can make an informed decision that fits your financial situation. But keep in mind that cost isn’t the only factor to consider. You want to work with someone with strong references, reviews and credentials. You’ll also want to ask about how long the repair is expected to take.

If a contractor is vague about their pricing or uses aggressive sales tactics to get you to commit, it’s probably best to move on to another professional.