Installation of an air conditioning system... WHO and HOW are more important than WHAT.

WHAT?
Many of our customers start out focused on WHAT brand they want for their new heating and cooling system. We install Trane and Carrier equipment along with a number of other quality brands. All of these manufacturers produce top quality systems in high efficiency models with comparable warranties. Fact is you would not be happy with any brand of HVAC equipment if the product was not installed properly or not connected to the proper air distribution system (ductwork). WHO? I'm no different than you, I have contractors in my home for plumbing, cable, phone, remodel, to mention a few and I also have a wife and kids that get nervous with strangers in our home. Heck, I get nervous around some of the scary characters contractors will send out. We ask a few questions about the employee being sent to our home.

1. Are they employees or subcontractors?
2. How long have they worked for you?
3. Have you performed a criminal background check and can you assure me that they are not felons or sex offenders?
4. Have they been drug tested recently?
5. Are they well groomed? No visible tattoos, piercings, beards, long hair.
6. Do your employees wear uniforms and name badges.

I decide WHO I pay to come in my home and perform a service and it is not going to be some scary looking dude in an AC/DC t-shirt with tattooed knuckles and a ZZ Top beard, driving an unmarked 1970 pickup that leaves oil stains in my driveway.

HOW?
An installation team knows the importance of quality of workmanship. A properly installed central air conditioning system will attain maximum efficiency and last longer with fewer repairs. Your contractor should start by registering with the city. For HVAC contractors to register in most cities in North Texas they will need proof of liability insurance and a valid air conditioning contractors license. The state only requires $300,000 in general liability as a requisite for the contractors license, I would recommend you ask to see proof of a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage. Next you contractor is required by most cities to pull an inspection permit. If the contractor is reluctant to pull a permit then I would be reluctant to use that contractor. Now that the basics are out of the way ask some questions about HOW.

1. HOW will you protect my property, floors, carpet etc. and what do you do if you accidentally damage something?
2. HOW do I know you are putting the correct size system in my home? Did you perform any kind of load calculation? 500 Square feet per ton is not a load calculation anymore than just putting in the same size system that was installed in your home 25 years ago.
3. HOW long will the installation of my new air conditioning system take? Typically takes one day.
4. HOW long is your work guaranteed. Air Force guarantees all air conditioning system replacements and upgrades for two year on parts, labor and workmanship.
5. HOW do you expect payment? Never pay anything in advance. If the contractor needs an advance payment to secure equipment, that is a sure sign of financial instability.
6. Ask to see pictures of recent installations and for an explanation of how their HVAC installation differs from the average or basic installation.
7. Ask HOW your ductwork will work with the new high efficiency cooling system. Undersized supply air or return air can make your new system cost more to operate than your old system. Make sure that the ducts are properly sized and sealed.
8. Ask for references from air conditioning system installations done recently and in your area.

Sounds like an arduous process but it is really quite simple if you start by phone screening your contractors getting rid of the Bubbas and then plan on spending 1-2 hours with your three top candidates to discuss WHO you can expect in your home and HOW you expect them to perform your HVAC installation. By now you have probably forgotten WHAT brand you were interested in.