Are you planning to install a new HVAC system? These systems are undoubtedly a huge investment, as they add value to homes and provide families with comfort all year round.
In an ideal scenario, your HVAC system is expected to last as many as twenty years. It can only work by hiring a reliable HVAC company to handle the installation, potential repairs, and maintenance service in the future. These providers should be licensed, skilled, and equipped with the right tools.
Nowadays, there are numerous HVAC companies providing complete heating and air conditioning installations, replacements, repairs, and maintenance services.
Follow the tips below to choose the best company.
Check their license
The inceptive action to take when hiring an HVAC company is checking their license. These contractors must be licensed in order to have the authority to work on HVAC projects. Having a state license means that a company member has met the necessary requirements in training levels and experience within a particular state.
Moreover, the process of earning a state license is rather lengthy and selective. Candidates should have at least five years’ experience in working for a licensed company prior to taking the ten-hour test. In order to pass the state test, aspiring contractors are obliged to know all local and state mechanical and building codes, as well as fuel codes regarding liquid petroleum, fuel oil, and natural gas.
In addition, license candidates must know different service and installation methods, electrical circuits and wiring, manual J calculations related to heat gain/loss, etc. After passing the test, license holders are obliged to do a minimum of ten hours in education on an annual basis. They need to remain good citizens with no criminal records and felonies if they want their license to be renewed.
The majority of states require HVAC contractors to earn a license so as to perform heating and air-conditioning services. Check out the exact steps of getting an HVAC license. Having such a permit means that their equipment is safely installed in accordance with all specifications and codes. Therefore, make sure the company working on your project is licensed to ensure successful installation and repairs.
Consider training and certifications
The following aspects to consider when looking for such a company are training and certifications. The evolution of heating and air-conditioning equipment is ongoing. These companies need to have training programs for their workers to keep up with the advancements in technology. For instance, an HVAC system installed ten years ago differs in terms of installation methods compared to the systems installed today.
There are plenty of innovations in this industry that weren’t used in the past, such as the ability of air conditioners and thermostats to communicate with each other, the possibility of homeowners to link their AC and heating systems to their phones, improved unit efficiency, etc. Consequently, companies that fail to keep up with such advancements fall behind their competitors.
When looking at the credentials of HVAC contractors, look for N.A.T.E certification, which is the only accepted certification for installers and technicians in this field of work. Earning such a certification is possible only by excelling in four categories, including installation techniques, electrical circuits, customer etiquette, and safety procedures.
Furthermore, this certification program requires at least sixteen credit hours of education in a two-year period. It’s of the utmost importance for the installation technician you hire to be N.A.T.E certified and have continuous training as part of his employment.
Check their tools and installation equipment
Another important factor to consider when choosing an HVAC company is the equipment these professionals have. The installation of air conditioners requires these technicians to have the tools of electricians, plumbers, and sometimes even carpenters. The use of some tools even requires specialized training. The following link, https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/12-things-to-check-before-you-call-an-hvac-tech/, includes twelve things to check before calling a professional.
When hiring such experts, make sure they have the necessary tools for the job. These aren’t only necessary to complete a project in the right manner but also to do it safely. When interviewing company representatives, make sure they provide tool programs for employees and training for them. Avoid hiring a company that offers a no-tool program and subcontracts their installations.
Don’t forget the testing equipment
The installation process of air conditioners and heat pumps is incredibly technical. If performed right, it provides more than twenty years of lifespan from the appliance. The life expectancy of air conditioners and heaters is significantly reduced without using the necessary testing equipment.
In the course of installation, the copper lines through which the refrigerant flows need to be properly prepared before the introduction of any refrigerant. Such preparations are performed with the help of nitrogen, which flows through the system to keep it free of contaminants. The lines have to be tested at 150 pounds per square inch to ensure no leaks are present in the system. Any pressure exceeding 150 PSI will cause damage to the compressor.
Having such testing equipment is essential for making the installation process almost perfect. Unless this equipment is used, downsides might include high energy bills, shorter lifespan, discomfort, etc. Additionally, HVAC professionals must abide by the required safety rules to prevent any hazards that might affect families.
The bottom line
Every homeowner needs a reliable provider of heating and air-conditioning services.
It’s the key to system longevity!
