When your heating or cooling system breaks down, it’s important to have the right HVAC contractor on speed dial. The Atlanta heat doesn’t joke around for even the most patient or tolerant people. When you need a quick fix or a longer-term solution, you want someone who can be efficient, proactive, and deliver high-quality work. That’s why we’ve analyzed the various factors to consider when hiring an HVAC contractor in Atlanta.
Know What Service You Need
There are several types of HVAC technicians, so knowing what fix you need is your best bet in determining which of the many types of technicians you can hire.
Installation
If your HVAC unit is on its last legs, it might be time to install a new system. You need a pro who can identify which model you can get within your budget and install it efficiently. They’ll dispose of the old system and run safety checks on the current one to give it a clean send-off.
Routine Maintenance
Hopefully, you get a routine HVAC maintenance plan to avoid situations like emergency installations or costly repairs. Regular tune-ups can include changing air filters, inspecting leaky pipes, checking thermostats, electric circuits and capacitors, flushing drain lines, and cleaning ductwork. HVAC pros can also assess refrigerant levels and refill if needed. Ideally, most homes get serviced and checked up on annually. If you have allergies or share walls with neighbors, it could be wise to have your filters or ductwork cleaned regularly.
Repairs
HVAC technicians are great at repairing old systems and replacing failing parts with new ones. This type of request is usually last minute and more urgent. Keep in mind that these fixes will have a higher price point. Technicians will usually have to return for another visit after the necessary system part has been shipped, thus raising the bill. Check parts warranties to see if you can get part of the repair costs covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
This is why you might need air conditioning maintenance to prevent such last-minute and costly repairs. Regular maintenance helps identify potential issues early, ensuring your system runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the year.
Contractor’s Qualifications
Before signing any contracts or stipulations, it’s a good rule of thumb to inquire about the contractor’s qualifications, such as their mechanical contractor license number and guarantees. Ask if they have any certifications. This way, you won’t be surprised when two weeks later, the same issue you called in for comes up again. Skilled personnel is the number one trait you’ll need to look for when hiring an HVAC contractor.
Ensure that you’re covered as well. Does the company have its own insurance policy in case a problem arises? Knowing what sort of safety, financial, and precautionary guidelines the company has is essential in an emergency. You don’t want their slip-up to come out of your wallet. It’s good to see proof of their qualifications and insurance policies on paper or online.
HVAC Certifications
HVAC pros need specific certifications, which we’ll tell you about here. An HVAC certification means that a technician has completed the proper training, passed certain exams, and met the industry standards and requirements. There are eight main HVAC certifications. Depending on the contractor you have, it will vary.
1. North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
2. R-410A
3. Indoor Air Quality
4. Preventative Maintenance
5. Type 1 Environmental Protection Agency
6. Type 2 Environmental Protection Agency
7. Type 3 Environmental Protection Agency
8. Universal Environmental Protection Agency
HVAC Professional Education Requirements
The minimum education requirement for companies is a high school diploma or GED certificate. You must be at least 18 years of age. In Georgia, you must have at least four years of work experience as an HVAC professional to apply for a Class I or Class II license as a contractor. Completing a technical school degree in engineering or engineering technology may count for two years of work experience. In addition, HVAC pros must take an exam to receive their license and pass by at least 70%. References must be considered for job applications as well.
Local Ratings
Scoping out the feedback from locals is one of the best ways to determine if an HVAC contractor is not only proficient at their job but also approachable, efficient, punctual, and any other qualifications you desire as a person contracting their services. Hiring someone and having that person enter the privacy of your home involves lots of trust. That’s why getting personal reviews and stories from past service recipients can help decide which contractor to go with.
Legitimate feedback, not just from people hired by companies to give five-star ratings, is critical in discerning whether a company is credible or all talk. Sites like Yelp, Angi.com, homeadvisor.com, and Google can align you with a contractor that meets your needs.
A quick Google search like “HVAC repair near me” or “HVAC technician near me” can align you with the closest HVAC contractor with the appropriate reviews and website information. Pay attention to reviews, ratings, and how long they have been in business.
What qualities are you looking for in a contractor? You may want someone prompt, courteous, and efficient. Maybe you’d prefer a contractor with extensive experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Perhaps you’re looking for free estimates, fair pricing structure, industry recognition, or personalized attention. Whatever your must-have traits are, there’s a contractor for you.
Consult Your Circle
Consult people you know and trust, including friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family. Anyone in your circle just get a new AC installed? Maybe your friend just had a huge leaking disaster, and a company came right away. Ask around and send out some feelers that you’re looking for an HVAC company that performs maintenance, repairs, or whichever service you require. Someone is bound to refer you to a reliable contractor. Word of mouth is one of the most popular and credible marketing tools out there.
It’s possible you can find a technician via social media and Facebook groups. While great for posting selfies, the platform can also connect you with experts in your area. Be sure to ask what kind of services they provide. A quick post on your feed can bring back a lot of feedback on people to call and companies to look into. Local homeowners will most likely have reliable HVAC technicians they’ve used for a long time. Besides, people are keen to help and give advice when they can. Trust us on this one.
Questions To Ask a Local Atlanta HVAC Service
There are always some questions to posit to a potential contractor. While they are the HVAC experts, you also want to be competent enough to know what’s going on and to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
● How long has the company been in service? Five years minimum is ideal.
● Is the company licensed, bonded, and insured? What are the qualifications the contractors have?
● In Atlanta, what are some of the most common problems with HVAC units?
● Can the technician check with the manufacturer and tell me if the equipment parts have any warranties?
● What is the cost estimate, and how much of your time should this service — cleaning, maintenance, repair, replacement, etc. — take?
Choose R.S. Andrews for HVAC Services in Atlanta
If reliability, upfront pricing, and HVAC expertise are what you’re looking for, there’s no better team out there than R.S. Andrews! We’ve proudly served the greater Atlanta area since 1968, bringing excellent customer service and top-notch heating and air conditioning results to every job. We are fully licensed and insured, so you can count on us when you need HVAC repairs, installations, or maintenance.
Call R.S. Andrews at (470) 264-8128 to learn more about our services and what makes us the best emergency HVAC contractor in Atlanta!