Wisconsin Homeowners: How-To Guide For Hiring An HVAC Contractor

When your HVAC system needs servicing or repair, it’s important that you find a professional that you can trust and rely on. Use this guide to hire a heating and cooling expert in Wisconsin.

Hiring an experienced contractor for heating and air conditioning repairs is the best way to get the job done right and protect your home investment. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to hiring an HVAC professional:

1. What is an HVAC Contractor?

You count on heating and cooling experts to keep your home comfortable no matter how hot or cold it is outside. But when you need one, do you know what an HVAC professional is all about?

HVAC is the abbreviation for “Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.” An HVAC contractor is a skilled technician who is certified and specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of heating pumps, furnaces, and central air conditioners.

2. Specialized HVAC Technicians

Although trained for all types of HVAC services, most technicians focus on a specific area, such as installation or air conditioning repair. Keep in mind that the process of installing heating and cooling equipment is more involved than maintenance and requires specialized skills and experience.

For heating and air conditioning repair, call an HVAC specialist in Wisconsin.

3. Types of HVAC Contractors

It’s easier to hire the right HVAC contractor when you know who to call:

Independent contractors

• Work directly with customers.
• Specialize in one particular aspect or brand of HVAC repair.
• Often have lower rates.

Professional HVAC companies

• Available 24/7.
• Specialize in HVAC installation.
• Have a wider range of certifications.
• Service multiple HVAC brands and systems.

Residential contractors

• Work on smaller projects with a focus on home HVAC systems.

Commercial technicians

• Provide HVAC installation and service for commercial properties.

4. Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor

When you’re ready to hire an HVAC contractor, use these tips to choose the right one for your job:

Research

Do your research by reading online ratings and reviews from other clients. Reviews can help you find HVAC contractors who have a good reputation for providing value and exceptional customer service.

Referrals and references

Ask your family, friends, and neighbors for referrals. When contacting a contractor for an estimate, ask for references from previous customers. Be sure to contact each reference for information about their experience and whether the job was completed on time and within budget.

Check for certification and license

HVAC certification and licensing will vary from one state to the next. Be sure the contractor you choose has the knowledge and skills required to meet industry standards. Look for these certifications:

• NATE (North American Technician Excellence) – Contractors who hold a NATE certificate have been fully trained and assessed in HVAC systems.
• HVAC Excellence Certification – Includes certification in various areas of HVAC expertise, including heating units and air conditioning.
• EPA 608 Certification – Required for contractors who repair and service air conditioners and other HVAC equipment that requires a refrigerant.

Get more than one quote

Talk to at least three different contractors and get detailed quotes that include the cost of all materials and labor and an estimated time to complete the project.

Get a written estimate

An estimate in writing lets you compare quotes and protects you in case of any discrepancies in cost or project scope when the job is done.

When your heating or air conditioning system needs servicing, contact a HomeAdvisor HVAC contractor in Wisconsin for expert results.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.