Step 3 for purchasing a quality home comfort system that's Built To Last

The final part of our series on getting a new cooling and heating installation covers what to look for in a professional HVAC installation company. Contractors differ in terms of quality, affordability, and post-installation service. The factors in this post will help you find a contractor to install an A/C system that's built to last in Carson CA.

1. Do you have references? Good contractors likely have copies of recommendation letters and a list of references for the customer to follow up on.
2. What's your company's background? Take notes on how long the company has been in business, the training its technicians have taken, and their experience.
3. Is your company licensed and insured? Ask for current business licenses and proof of insurance. The latter is important in case a contractor gets hurt or property is damaged during installation.
4. Will you sign a written work agreement? The company should provide documentation of the work they'll do, the equipment they'll use, estimated costs, and applicable warranties and guarantees. Never settle for a verbal agreement.
5. Will you inspect the system after it's installed? Ask the technician to go over the proper operation and maintenance of your system, and to inspect it thoroughly after setup is complete to ensure it works.
6. What is your company's service policy? What happens if the A/C system stops working or needs adjustments? Find out their emergency service policy and whether they charge the customer for overtime work.
7. Do you participate in NATE Training? NATE-certified contractors are held to high industry standards that verify their expertise, professionalism, and quality installation.

The actual cost of a cooling and heating system extends beyond the installation fee. A contractor may offer what seems like a great discount but could perform a quick, shoddy installation with cut-rate equipment. Those flaws make air conditioning more expensive over the long term.

Always insist that a contractor has seen and evaluated your home before they give you an estimate — don't just accept their rate over the phone. Make sure you're clear on what brands of equipment the contractor will install, its energy efficiency, every step in the installation process, and all the warranties on the service agreement. Trust your intuition about whether you trust the contractor.

Red Apple Air believes the real value of an A/C system is revealed over the lifespan of the unit. With our "Built to Last" installation process, we take time to evaluate your home's needs to build a cooling and heating system that will run efficiently. We outline every aspect of the job we do and answer all the questions you have. Most importantly, we guarantee that our installations will end up saving customers in ongoing energy costs, and at least $10,000 in required repairs.