Key Questions to Ask Your HVAC Technician Before Starting Work

Have you selected a professional technician to care for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system? When you do consider these facts:

• Central heat and air conditioning became common construction amenities during the 1950s, and
• Ninety percent of the Houston housing stock was built after the 1950s ¹

Technicians are responsible for installing new systems, replacing aging systems, and maintaining and repairing existing systems. Chances are if you have not chosen a technician, you will need to do so soon.

This is an important decision since:

• You are inviting someone into your home and need to be secure in your decision
• This technician will work on a large building system, a significant investment in your home.
• When something goes wrong, it becomes very uncomfortable and inconvenient for the entire family until the technician arrives.

For these reasons and more, making a wise decision is extremely important. A cursory search reveals so many choices in the region. Making this choice can be quite difficult; how does one start to make such a decision? Here are some pertinent bits of information to seek to determine which technician should service your home’s HVAC system.

Tell me about your qualifications and certification?

HVAC systems are complex, involve connecting electronics, specialty gases, and a network of sheet metal ducts. There are several pathways to gaining the proper training.

• Basic education and a prescribed period of on-the-job training with a seasoned professional—an apprenticeship.
• Or extensive vocational instruction and a shorter period of OTJ training.

Both training methods are excellent; technicians who have completed the challenge are well-prepared. In addition, technicians will likely carry various certifications for specialty training, such as those required for handling refrigerant gases or manufacturer’s training for specific equipment. Companies and individuals will be happy to disclose this information upon request.

Tell me about your reputation. Do you have referrals?

Companies that have been around for a while can talk about the good work they have done. Qualifications are a piece of the puzzle, experience is another. How much experience should be expected? That is a personal choice, but five years is a good suggestion.

Companies with a good service record should also collect testimonials from satisfied customers. Look for these short messages on a website or brochure.

Tell me about the services you offer.

Normal services include all those services listed above, from installation to maintenance and repair. A company or technician may also offer further specialty services, such as commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and experience with ductless systems. On the heating side, specialties might include heat pump training and experience and natural gas-powered systems.

Inquire about emergency services. Will someone respond 24/7 in case of an emergency with extreme temperatures? This type of reliable service can be invaluable.

Tell me about warranties.

The manufacturer should provide a replacement guarantee for a designated period. The service tech/company should provide a guarantee for labor for a given period, should a component fail. Make sure to get these warranties in writing. The two may be tied together but be sure to know how well you are protected.

Tell me about rates.

For some homeowners, this is the most important information. However, quality service from trained professionals should be the goal of the inquiry. Compare rates as the last measure in decision-making.

Need Help Selecting an HVAC Technician?

Houston Trane can connect you with a Trane Licensed AC Contractor who can answer your questions about HVAC Refrigerant. To find a local Trane AC Contractor, visit our Local Dealer search tool.

 

¹ https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Demographics/docs_pdfs/SN/Year-Structure-Built.pdf