How to Pick the Right HVAC Technician
Why Is It Important to Pick the Right HVAC Technician?
A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that even if a homeowner purchases the best, most energy-efficient air conditioners, heat pumps, and such equipment, these may go to waste if the equipment is not properly installed. Your HVAC may be improperly installed either because you tried to do the work yourself and you don’t really understand how such things work, or maybe your HVAC technician botched the job. As such, it’s imperative that you pick the right HVAC technician for your installation. They can guarantee a good job the first time around, so you won’t have to call in another and pay more than what you initially intended to.
Take note, however, that not all HVAC contractors are the same. You need to do thorough research in order to compare different contractors, and make sure that they work they do and the processes they employ suit your needs and budget. Doing so will also help you make out true professionals from those who’ll just rip you off.
What HVAC Certifications Should I Look For?
In order to become certified, HVAC technicians have to pass certain requirements, which depend from state to state as well as the tech’s specialization. Make sure that your HVAC technician has the following certifications.
Licensing
One of the first things you should find out about an HVAC technician is whether they’re licensed or not. When meeting with the contractor, you can ask to see a copy of their license, and that it is according to your area’s guidelines. A licensed proves that the technician received and passed professional training, and operates in compliance with state and local laws on HVAC work.
NATE Certification
The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the largest non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians in the United States. A NATE-certified HVAC technician has passed a series of specialized tests designed to measure their knowledge in one or more specialty areas. To verify if your tech is NATE-certified, get their valid NATE ID number and enter it here.
EPA Certification
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires HVAC professionals to take an EPA certification class and pass a written exam. There are four types of EPA certification: Type I is for those servicing small appliances only; Type II is for servicing high-pressure appliances; Type III is for servicing low-pressure appliances; and Type IV is Universal, or for servicing all types of HVAC appliances or equipment.
HVAC Excellence Certification
This certification is designed for HVACR technicians as well as other industry professionals, including wholesalers, contractors, utilities, apprenticeship programs, and manufacturers, with two or more years of field experience. To get certified, they take comprehensive exams that test their knowledge in specific areas of the industry.
What Are the Different Types of HVAC Work That I Should Consider?
Now that you know what certifications to look for when hiring an HVAC technician, let’s talk about the different types of HVAC systems. Currently, there are four different types of HVAC available, and these come in different sizes and with certain specifications to suit your needs.
Split Systems
Traditional split systems for heating and cooling have components that are installed inside and outside the building. Typical HVAC split systems include an air conditioner, a furnace, a fan coil to convert the refrigerant and circulate the air, ducts that carry air through the building, a control panel, and optional accessories, like purifiers or humidifiers.
Hybrid Heat Split Systems
An advanced version of the split system, the hybrid system is made more efficient through the combination of a furnace with a heat pump, rather than an air conditioner. It reacts to changing temperatures, automatically making adjustments to more efficiently heat or cool a building, using a small amount of energy to move heat from one location to another. It acts as an air conditioner when the weather is hot, and as a heating system in cold weather.
Duct-Free Split Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
This system is great for buildings where conventional ducted systems can’t be used. What’s more, it’s a great addition to existing ducted systems. Typically, a duct-free system includes a heat pump or an air conditioner, a compact fan coil, wires and tubing for the refrigerant, a control panel, and optional cleaning and air distribution accessories. A ductless HVAC is very energy-efficient; without ducts, you can reduce the amount of energy consumed by your HVAC by up to 25 percent.
Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
If you’re dealing with space that’s too tight to accommodate multiple split system components, this system is perfect for you. Packaged heating and air conditioning systems are best for confined spaces, because all components are contained in a single location. The different types of packaged HVAC equipment include:
- Packaged air conditioner – a single-boxed cabinet with the compressor, coils, and air handler housed inside
- Packaged heat pumps – uses heat pump technology to cool and heat a building
- Packaged gas-electric – a combination air conditioner-gas furnace
- Packaged dual fuel – contains a heat pump and a gas furnace
How Much Should I Expect to Pay a Quality HVAC Technician?
initially, an HVAC technician will charge a flat rate when answering a service call, which entails coming to your home to check your HVAC system. On average, the price of a service call can cost between $40 and $50 dollars, maybe higher if you’re scheduling service on a weekend, holiday, or at night. Keep in mind that in some cases, the HVAC technician may discover that the problem may be with your electrical system, so you’ll need to contact an electrician, but the tech will still expect to be paid for their time and diagnosis.
In addition to the service fee, there’s also the cost of parts and labor to consider. If it turns out that your HVAC needs to be serviced for, say, a refrigerant leak, expect to shell out $200 to $1,500. Smaller issues like blown fuses run between $50 and $200. The cost of the job can also be affected by the HVAC model you have, especially when the work entails something like replacing the thermostat.
For service such as routine check-ups and filter replacements, ask you HVAC technician if they offer a yearly rate. Most HVAC specialist offer such, and these usually include two to three prepaid visits at a discounted rate.
For the best idea of what price you can expect to pay, download an app like Contractors.com (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/contractors.com/id1078704337 for iOS or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.contractorsapp for Android devices) to connect with the best HVAC Technician near you and get a free quote.
Everything You Need to Know About HVAC Technicians
When it comes to your HVAC needs, find a technician that can do the job correctly. It is not difficult to find a qualified technician as long as you know what to search for. All you need to know when choosing the right HVAC technician can be summed up in five words: experience, credentials, price, references, and reviews. You should also definitely ask for proofs of their licensed to operate, certifications, and accreditations, as well as for a written quote. Always compare prices, but keep in mind that the lowest price may not the best. Moreover, ask your friends and family for any recommendations. Surely, one of them has had an HVAC job done before or at least knows someone who has. Furthermore, MerchantCircle is a great tool for finding qualified, professional contractors in your area and has reviews from previous customers, which you can read to help you assess which tech is the right one for you. With so many resources available, you can easily find the best HVAC technician to service your home!
To find the best HVAC technician near you, enter your zip code above and start searching.