How To Hire An Air Ventilation Contractor In California

There's nothing worse than a broken air conditioner in California. That's why it's important to have the right type of technician on hand in case of an emergency. While many in this field fall under the umbrella term, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), there are several types of heating and air condition contractors.

HVAC technicians are qualified to install, repair and maintain central air conditioning and heat pumps. However, there are a wide variety of specializations and certifications, so be sure to ask your contractor if they are qualified to work on your specific system — like a heating source or whole-house humidifier.

Most contractors perform both installations and repairs, but some smaller operations may only specialize in HVAC repairs and maintenance. Contractors must determine the correct size for your home, install duct work, set the proper air flow rate, and calculate the correct amount of refrigerant for heat transfer.

You'll also have a choice between independent service providers and professional companies. On one hand, larger companies are more likely to have 24-hour availability and more specialty certifications. On the other, smaller companies offer consistency in service providers and a potentially lower rate.

How to Find and Hire an HVAC Expert

With those qualifications in mind, there are a few steps you should keep in mind when finding and hiring a reputable contractor:

1. Check contractor license. Promotional materials and providers' websites will likely include their license number. Be sure to check that they have the proper licensure for state and local agencies.
2. Ask for referrals. You can ask any pro you're hiring for references from previous clients.
3. Consult online reviews. Use a service like HomeAdvisor to verify if the contractor is of good quality. Reviews can determine if the contractor is timely and reliable.
4. Look for HVAC certifications. There are several certifications that will show a contractor is an expert in their field. Here are a few to look for: North American Technician Excellence, HVAC Excellence, EPA 608 Certification.

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