Selecting an HVAC contractor is an important decision when you are building a new home, renovating or need repair work on your HVAC system.  It is important to find a quality contractor who has the experience, knowledge and ethical business reputation to do an excellent installation or repair job.  Each quality is necessary to provide efficient heating and cooling as well as save on your energy costs during the life of the system.  Here are a few pointers when looking for good, honest and reliable Utah HVAC contractors or an HVAC service company:

• There are many Utah HVAC contractors who can provide the services that you need but it is difficult to find the right contractor or company.  To start, ask around for referrals from friends and family so you can learn first hand about their positive and negative experiences.  A good contractor knows that a spotless reputation is a must if more business is to flourish from good recommendations.

• Make sure the contractor is fully licensed, is bonded and has full liability and workman’s comp insurance.  As long as they are licensed by the state and carry necessary insurance to protect you from liability for on the job accidents, this is a good step in the right direction.

• Check out credentials through local and state board of contractors.  Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints and another way to check is on the Internet.  Rip-off Reports.com is a way to check if consumers have a complaint against a company or contractor who did not honor an estimate, did not do a good job or possibly ran off with the deposit never to be seen again.  These kinds of horror stories exist and it does not hurt to do your due diligence.  Also, check the contractors’ affiliation with professional organizations such as ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers), ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors Association), ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association).  These are reputable trade organizations and indicate that membership shows the contractor is knowledgeable in their trade and business.

• Make sure the contractor obtains all the permits necessary to install a new HVAC system and arranges for the proper inspections by city departments.  Mechanical and electrical permits are required when a new HVAC system is installed and everything must pass inspection and is up to code.  This is necessary for insurance coverage as well.

• It is critical that the contractor provides the correct load calculation for your new system so the equipment heats and cools your house efficiently.  Wrong calculations will result in higher energy bills and other difficulties later on.

• Don’t be enticed by the lowest bid.  If the contractor passes all your criteria and has a lower price, so much the better but many people fall prey to the lowest price and the wrong system may be installed.  Do your due diligence in looking for Utah HVAC contractors.