A new HVAC system is an investment—a big investment. How big? After buying a home and a car, a new HVAC system is the third biggest purchase that most homeowners will ever make. Because of the price tag that comes with a new system, you might be tempted to go with the lowest quote an HVAC contractor gives you.
9 times out of 10, that decision will not be the best long-term one. While some HVAC contractors are able to provide honest work for less money, you’re more likely to encounter companies that have cut corners to reduce their expenses.
Red Flags Before Installation
Before choosing an HVAC contractor to replace your current system, it’s a good idea to get at least a few quotes if time permits so that you can compare companies. Ideally, you want to choose a company that will deliver you the best long-term value.
With that in mind, let’s look at some red flags that can crop up before your installation even takes place:
- The company rep barely spends any time examining your home and its cooling issues before giving you a quote for a new HVAC system—or worse, the company only gives you a quote over the phone based on just a few pieces of information about your home.
- The company doesn’t return your calls.
- The company doesn’t keep their appointment or call you about any possible delays that have come up unexpectedly.
- The company does not have worker’s compensation insurance.
- You can’t find their license number anywhere.
This is the company’s opportunity to put their best foot forward. If they aren’t doing that now, how well will they do that when you need to call them for an emergency repair? Remember, this is a big investment, so you want to choose a contractor that has taken the time to inspect your current system and understand your home’s unique heating and cooling issues.
You also don’t want to be held responsible for any injuries on your property. The best way to do this is by working with licensed and insured companies.
Red Flags After Installation
Sometimes the entire sales and installation process can go smoothly, but it’s not until later that problems begin to emerge. A lot of care must go into an HVAC system installation, and unfortunately, this is another area where contractors will cut corners.
Here are some post-installation red flags to watch out for:
- Poor performance. This will be the most obvious red flag. If your new system is still giving you costly energy bills and creating hot and cold spots around the house, there’s a problem.
- Pinched-off air ducts. Most air ducts are light and flexible so that they can be curved and arranged as needed. However, if they’re bent too far or pinched-off with straps, that’s going to restrict airflow through your system.
- Indoor unit held up by straps bolted into its sides. The equipment is not designed to bear its own weight, so when suspended this way, it begins to buckle.
- Indoor unit’s gas pipe is missing a drip leg or “drip.” A drip leg is meant to catch moisture in a gas piping system, and having one for your furnace is a code requirement.
- Lines and air ducts in the way. Ideally, your installation should be tidy and allow your indoor HVAC unit to be easily accessible for servicing. Having lines and ducts strung across your path is an unnecessary inconvenience and a possible tripping hazard.
Check out our video for a perfect example of what an HVAC installation should and should not look like.
Richardson AC Replacement Techs Serving the Dallas Metro Area
At Rescue Air and Plumbing, we’re not only fast and fair with your repair—we want you to be 100 percent satisfied with your HVAC installation experience, from the moment you first speak to us to years later, when you can still sit back, relax, and enjoy the cool air flowing through your home. Give us a call today at (972) 201-3253 or contact us online.