How to Choose the Right HVAC Contractor in Windsor: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Your HVAC system is one of the most important and most expensive parts of your home. As such, it’s important that you take your time to find a qualified, experienced contractor instead of just calling the first name that pops up when you search online. Reading reviews is a good way to get an idea of the quality of work a contractor performs and the level of service you provide. Nonetheless, you should still ask all of these questions to any contractor you’re considering hiring so that you can be fully sure that they’re qualified to do whatever work you need done.
1. Is Your Company TSSA Registered?
If you’re searching for an HVAC contractor to install, repair, or service a gas heating system, such as a furnace or boiler, the first thing is to make sure that the company you hire is registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and that the technicians who will be performing the work are TSSA certified. Ontario requires that any contractor who works with fuel delivery systems, such as natural gas or propane, register with the TSSA and that the tradespeople working with these systems and equipment are properly certified. The registration and certification ensure that all work complies with safety regulations and industry technical standards. This is hugely important for ensuring that the contractor you hire can provide safe, effective, and reliable results.
2. Are You Licensed?
Ontario also requires all contractors and technicians who work with gas heating systems and air conditioning systems to be licensed and certified. The licensing and certification requirements again ensure that the work they perform is done safely and correctly. Hiring anyone who isn’t licensed and certified carries numerous risks, including injury, fire hazards, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It can also result in the manufacturer voiding the warranty on your HVAC equipment. One other thing to note is that a permit is required for new installations and some repairs, and the permit can only be obtained by a licensed contractor. Having work done without a permit can result in a significant fine.
3. Can You Show Me Proof of Insurance?
Making sure that the contractor you hire is properly insured is hugely important for several reasons. One is that it protects you against any potential liability issues should a worker get injured on your property during the job. If you hire someone who isn’t licensed and they get injured, they could try to sue you for their medical costs and other damages.
Insurance also ensures that you’re covered should a worker damage your home or property. If the contractor is insured, their insurance is responsible for covering the costs of fixing the damage and restoring your property. If they’re not insured, you may have to file a claim with your homeowners’ insurance and potentially have your rates go up. Insurers also frown on hiring unlicensed contractors and will sometimes cancel a policy if a homeowner does so.
4. What Products Do You Install and Service?
Working on different types of HVAC equipment like air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and boilers requires years of training and specialized knowledge. The specific skills and knowledge a technician needs to properly service, repair or install the equipment also vary depending on the brand and model. As such, you want to make sure that the contractor you hire and their technicians are experienced with working with the type and brand of equipment you have. When it comes to installation, you should always ask what brands the contractor offers. Some HVAC manufacturers produce much higher-quality equipment that works more efficiently and lasts longer. The last thing you want is to waste your hard-earned money on an inferior product.
5. What Type of Warranties or Guarantees Do You Provide?
An honest, reputable contractor should always stand by their work and be willing to listen to your concerns and fix anything that isn’t right. Before you hire anyone, you should make sure to get clear answers as to what types of warranty or workmanship guarantees they provide. If they come out to repair your HVAC system and the problem persists or returns immediately, will you have to pay an additional service fee for a technician to come back? Do they also offer a workmanship warranty on installations in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty on the equipment? By finding out these types of things ahead of time, you can avoid major hassles should the work not be up to standard.
At Guaranteed Comfort Heating & Cooling, we have over 35 years of experience providing top-notch HVAC services in Windsor and the surrounding areas. We have a strong reputation for performing quality work at an affordable price and going the extra mile to ensure our customers are satisfied. Our company is fully licensed, certified and insured, and our technicians are up to the task of safely and effectively meeting your heating and air conditioning needs. Whether it’s furnace installation, repairs or maintenance, give us a call to get the expert assistance and advice your home and family deserve.