How to Spot a Good HVAC Contractor

You may think that HVAC Contractors in San Diego are a dime a dozen, but great ones are priceless. In this article, we’ve curated tips to help you understand the difference between a great HVAC contractor and one who is not. Don’t get scammed this upcoming winter season when you may need your heating system fixed.

How to spot a good HVAC contractor

It’s important to find an HVAC technician that is certified and licensed. The certification is with the Caifornia State Contractor’s Board and not the City of San Diego. Licenses and certifications are done by state because the requirements are different in each one. It is also important to note that a reputable technician will also have a business license within the city of San Diego as well as worker’s comp insurance and liability insurance. You may also want to get a list of clients in your area. If you live in Poway, for example, see if they have worked with any Poway residents; same with areas like Carlsbad, La Mesa, La Jolla and Coronado.

Another way to spot a great contractor is if they provide a contract that lists everything including conditions and warranties. To make sure that you’ve found the proper technician, ask for this before the job has begun. This will help you decide they’re reputable or if you’re wasting your money.

Other tips for finding a great contractor include:

Get written estimates

Study the company beforehand including Yelp reviews and more

ENERGY Star information with said company

Special offers and more!

These are all things to look for when finding a great HVAC contractor that could make the difference between a quick and efficient job or a horrible and costly job that will become time consuming.

How to spot a bad HVAC contractor

It’s easy to get caught up in unwritten promises or low offers from a company, but your home may suffer. If any job is done illegally on your home, you may be fined for it or it may backfire on you when you sell your home. This could also cost you thousands of dollars when it comes time for fixing this mistake. Typically, these bad HVAC technicians will become known extremely quickly. Fortunately, the heating and air conditioning community in San Diego County is relatively small and most of them know each other. Bad cointractors are few, but here are a few signs to look out for regardless:

They do not show a contract, all negotiation/contract is done orally

They ask for full payment up front, before a job is even started or looked at

Dodge questions and talk in circles

They can’t provide an updated, current license or evidence of insurance

In conclusion

Last but not least, it’s important to do your research beforehand. If you’re simply opening a yellow book or conducting an Internet search, closing your eyes and pointing to the first one, then you’re most likely going to lose some money and time in the process. Whether you receive recommendations or you find the perfect HVAC contractors in San Diego through a deep web search, these are far superior to previous methods mentioned.