How to Choose a Contractor for Your New Cooling System

How to Choose a Contractor for Your New AC System 

Your home’s cooling equipment can be top-of-the-line and highly efficient, but if it is not installed with expertise and care, it won’t function like it should.

Choosing the right contractor to install your cooling system is just as important as using the right equipment for your home. You need to hire a reliable contractor with a track record of high-quality work, not just the contractor who offers the lowest estimate. If you’re in the market for a new cooling system, follow this guide in order to make the right choice.

Ask around. Find out which contractors your neighbors and friends use and what their experience was like. Often, you can discover very capable local businesses through these word-of-mouth references.

Check certifications and credentials. In addition to proper licensure for your state, look for Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) or Sheet Metal and Air Conditioner Contractors National Association (SMACNA) membership. These organizations also provide lists of certified contractors by state. All of these affiliations are signs that you’re hiring a reputable cooling contractor.

Schedule an in-person inspection. A potential cooling contractor should come to your home in order to inspect your existing system, including your ductwork, before making an estimate. They cannot provide you with an accurate estimate over the phone. An estimator should want to base their installation plan on cooling-load calculations and any previous problems you may have encountered.

Get a proper estimate. After the inspection appointment, the contractor should provide you with an estimate of how much installation will cost, and how much you can expect to pay on annual costs, including bills. The estimate should be in writing.

Choose a contractor with an established business. Not only does this inspire confidence for your installation, but it also means they’re likely to be in business for years to come.

Ask about tax credits and rebates. If you’re upgrading your cooling system, you may be eligible for federal and/or state tax credits or rebates, especially if you are installing an energy-efficient model. Make sure that your contractor can help you through this process and document the project correctly for such rewards.

Don’t just choose the lowest bidder.  Some contractors may be more expensive, but you have to consider the quality of work and equipment they can provide. If one contractor provides you with an estimate that is very different from other estimates, talk with them—they might have picked up on something the others haven’t.

By choosing the right contractor, you can establish a professional service relationship that will benefit you for years to come.

IT Landes’ team of certified, reliable HVAC contractors can handle your installation from start to finish. With years of experience in home comfort systems, we provide service to Harleysville, Lansdale, Skippack, Souderton, Telford, and surrounding Pennsylvania communities. Call us at 215 – 265 – 4221 to learn more or request an appointment online.