Furnace Installation? 6 Questions to Ask Your HVAC Technician

Getting ready to replace the furnace in your Charlotte area home? It’s important to know the right questions to ask your HVAC technician to make sure you are getting the most energy-efficient system for your home’s needs. Use the following as a guide when you make an appointment to schedule a furnace installation.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Technician for Furnace Installation

Are they licensed and insured? Furnace installation is not a DIY project for a reason; there can be great dangers involved if the combustion and ventilation systems are not installed correctly. To protect your family and your home, it’s imperative that your HVAC technician works for a contractor that is licensed and insured.
Are their technicians NATE certified? NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification signifies that the company’s HVAC technicians are up-to-date on current industry standards, as well as energy-efficiency guidelines.
How will my furnace be sized? Until the last decade or so, HVAC equipment was sized by square footage and the number of rooms in the home. This led to over- or undersized heating and cooling systems. Informed HVAC technicians will use Manuals J and S to obtain accurate heating and cooling loads and to select the optimal equipment for your family’s needs.
Does my new furnace meet Energy Star standards? While a furnace with the Energy Star logo may cost a bit more, the investment will pay for itself over time. The Energy Star logo is a guarantee that the equipment exceeds current energy efficiency guidelines and will require fewer repairs over its lifespan if it’s adequately maintained.
Do they provide an itemized bid? The HVAC contractor should provide you with an itemized bid, providing a detailed account of their labor and parts, as well as additional charges and recommendations so there’s no mystery about what you’re paying for.
What maintenance will I be responsible for? The technician should walk you through any DIY maintenance items such as filter changes, thermostat operation and general cleaning requirements.