It can sometimes be challenging to know all of the questions to ask companies when you are shopping for a new air conditioning and heating system.
The following is a check list of 18 questions to ask. By asking each company the same questions, you’ll be able to compare “apples to apples”, which can greatly simplify the selection process. You can also make sure you have not missed any important information.
We have also created a questionnaire that you can download. Fill out the questionnaire for each company who bids your project. Click here to download the print version of this checklist.
Feel free to read the informative companion article in the Desert Tech Learning Center, “How To Choose An Air Conditioning & Heating Contractor.”
- How many years have you been in business?
- What is your license number?
The company should be able to provide you with their license number. Read more about licensing and how to check a license in our Learning Center, “How To Choose An Air Conditioning & Heating Contractor.”
- Do you have liability insurance?
Ask for proof of their liability insurance. Learn more about how this protects you in our Learning Center, “How To Choose An Air Conditioning & Heating Contractor.”
- Do you have workman’s compensation insurance?
Ask for proof of their worker’s compensation insurance. Learn more about how this protects you against responsiblity should one of the the contractor’s employee’s become injured in your home. Check out our Learning Center, “How To Choose An Air Conditioning & Heating Contractor.”
- Are you bonded?
Ask for proof of their bond. Learn more about how this protects you in our Learning Center, “How To Choose An Air Conditioning & Heating Contractor.”
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What size or capacity system do I need?
How do you determine the size of the air conditioning unit needed? Learn about the calculation that professionals should use to determine the size you need, called the Manual J Load Calculation.
- Is the system energy efficient? What is the SEER rating?
A SEER rating tells consumers how energy efficient a home’s cooling unit is. The higher the SEER rating of your system, the less energy it will consume.
- Can I expect a decrease in my utility bills?
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Can the current ductwork be used?
What is the integrity of the existing ductwork? Are there leaks? How could a HERS inspection (in conjunction with a visual inspection from a trained HVAC technician) aid in determining integrity?
- Are there any rebates or tax credits available?
Don’t be afraid to ask for the IRS form (Federal Energy Credit) to submit with your taxes to your accountant.
- What brands do you offer?
Ask the contractor what air conditioning and heating unit brands they offer and why they prefer those brands.
- Do you handle all the necessary permits? What permitting is necessary for my job?
Ask each prospective contractor whether a city permit will be necessary to do the work and whether they handle obtaining the necessary permits.
- What are the payment terms?
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Do you offer financing?
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What kind of guarantee does your company make?
What are the warranty terms? What conditions must be followed to maintain the warranty? Is a maintenance contract included or available? Do you have a “workmanship warranty”?
- What is the timetable for the installation from start to finish?
- Do you haul away the old unit and is that included in your quote?
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Is clean-up (directly associated with the work completed) included and will the work area, ductwork, walls and flooring be finished as they were before work commenced?
Summary and Final Thoughts
Doing your homework and asking each prospective contractor the same questions will allow you to gather all of the necessary information and then compare apples to apples. This help you in your selection of the air conditioning and heating contractor you hire.
