Ross and Witmer 
When you allow someone into your home to work on an important investment like your HVAC system, integrity and responsibility are extremely important. Only properly licensed, bonded and insured contractors have these qualities that you can count on. Unfortunately, many homeowners here in the Charlotte area have made the mistake of not verifying their HVAC contractor’s credentials.
What’s the Big Deal About HVAC Contractor Credentials?
Licensure, bonding and insurance are hallmarks of reliability in the HVAC business that, along with NATE certification (of contractor skills and training), offer peace of mind that your job will be done right. These credentials give you recourse to file complaints, be compensated and/or made whole if something goes wrong.
Licensure, in particular, offers these advantages for homeowners:
- Accountability: The N.C. State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors holds licensed contractors accountable for work they do.
- Insurance: To be licensed, contractors must show they carry business liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
- Financial responsibility: To be licensed, contractors must show they’re bonded.
- Permits: Only licensed contractors can obtain permits needed for your project.
To avoid being a victim, verify. The local press is full of examples of local homeowners who are victims of substandard work done by unlicensed heating, cooling and plumbing contractors.
What Do the Terms Mean?
Bonded: Bonded contractors have an agreement with the government or private bond issuer, showing financial responsibility to cover refunds or settlements.
Insured: Your contractor’s up-to-date business liability and worker’s compensation insurance protect you if anyone is injured or if property is damaged while the contractor is working in your home.
Contractor’s license: To get a contractor’s license, business owners must:
- Pass competency examinations in their specialty.
- Show insurance coverage and financial responsibility/bonding.
- Abide by any total job value restrictions set by the state.
- Pay an annual fee.
Verify NC contractor licensing at the N.C. Licensing Board.
When you need an expert HVAC contractor for your Charlotte area home, please contact us at Ross & Witmer. We’re licensed, bonded and insured with skilled, NATE-certified technicians experienced in all types of home comfort technology.