What to Look for in an HVAC Contractor
It’s no secret replacing your heating and cooling system can be a headache. When’s the right time? What kind of sys- tem is best? Where can I find a reliable contractor?
Because the right contrac- tor remains the critical cog in this process – for determining the type and size of the unit needed, explaining your op- tions, and proper installation – consider these tips before making a selection.
Ask Around
What are the contractor’s licensing and qualifications? Is the contractor a member of state and national contractor associations, such as Air Con- ditioning Contractors of Amer- ica? Is he or she adequately insured?
“Most people don’t real- ize that almost 50 percent of their energy bill comes from an HVAC [heating, ventilation, and air conditioning] system,” explains Alan Shedd, director of residential & commercial en- ergy programs for Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. “It’s important to have the right person put in and maintain the equipment.” Word of mouth provides a valuable resource, so ask neighbors and friends if they can recommend a good con- tractor – or if there’s someone you should avoid. And remem- ber to check on what a pro- spective contractor guarantees and whether any follow-up ser- vices, such as a maintenance agreement, are offered. “It’s important to have
Lendell Stowers
Retires...Con’t. from page 2.
and earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director certifica- tion in 1999.
“Lendell was an absolutely outstanding board member for Northfork and its membership for 43 years,” says NFEC General Manager Scott Copeland. “He took his responsibili- ties very seriously in representing no only his district, but all members of the cooperative. I don’t know of anyone who has ever done a better job in assuring the members were always the focus of every decision he made. I appreciate the example of dedication and leadership he set for me. I will al- ways treasure his friendship and the wonderful opportunity to have worked with him for so many years.” Now that he is retired, Stowers plans to spend time with his wife Jean, to whom he’s been married for 50 years, and with his children and grandchildren. He also looks forward to utilizing the ‘green thumb’ he was blessed with, and working in his yard.
But he will always have a fondness for NFEC. “They have a good board and employees,” he says. “It’s a good group to be a part of.”
these conversations before work begins,” Shedd stresses. “That way, if there are any sur- prises after installation, you know what to expect.”
What the Contractor and You Should do After you ask these
questions, a good contractor should start by inspecting your home and old system and then explaining your options. Be sure to get the esti- mated annual operating cost of the proposed HVAC system
at different efficiency levels, as recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program. Air conditioners are measured by Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Effi- ciency Ratio (EER). SEER is calculated by dividing the amount of cooling provided during a normal year by energy used – the higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. EER helps if you want to know how a system oper- ates at a specific tempera- ture. This will help you to determine the total cost over its lifetime.
Shedd advises asking for three written estimates of the work: what is being done, what equipment is being provided, and when installation will begin and be completed. “A contractor should ex- plain what is included – the best value may not come from whoever offers the low- est price,” Shedd warns.
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