Improperly installed equipment may work inefficiently, wastes your time as you set up and wait for repair calls, and, at worst, may cause leaks in your ceiling or walls or create a fire hazard. Make sure that the company you use is fully licensed and insured and that it warranties its work. Below is a checklist of questions you should ask every air conditioning contractor which bids on your replacement system.
Are They Licensed? What is Their License Number?
Under Ohio state law, a contractor performing any type of air conditioning (service or installation) must possess a state license. The license should be displayed on the company's vehicle. Drake Heating & Air 's license number is #14965.
Are They Fully Insured?
If an uninsured contractor or any of his employees gets hurt on your property, you could be liable for his medical bills. Likewise you would be faced with the expense of repairing any damage to your property resulting from an improper installation. Drake Heating & Air is fully insured. Drake always gives our client a copy of our certificate of workmans comp, and a certificate of insurance.
Are They EPA Certified. Will They Use A Recovery Unit?
To legally handle refrigerants, such as Freon, an air conditioning contractor must be EPA certified and must use a recovery unit. Unfortunately, many EPA certified technicians do not comply with environmental laws and do not consistently use recovery units when releasing refrigerant from a unit. The recapturing of refrigerant is a time consuming process, but must be done any time an old unit is disassembled. Releasing refrigerant without a recovery unit destroys ozone and is a violation of federal law. Drake Heating & Air is EPA certified and follows all EPA regulations.
Do They Pull All Required Permits.
If you live inside the city limits, a permit may be required for the installation of a new air conditioner. Permits were created to protect you, the consumer. They insure that the job will be done safely and correctly (in compliance with city building codes) and that it will be inspected by the appropriate agency. If you live in a city where a permit is required and the contractor does not secure one, you may be required to have the job done over, even if it was done properly. Drake Heating & Air pulls any required permits when applicable.
Do You Want To Check The Ductwork.
When replacing an air conditioning unit, a contractor should first examine the existing ductwork to insure that its size will accomodate new equipment and to check for leaks. A good “Rule of Thumb” is 400 CFM per ton of air conditioning on the supply air side and 500 CFM per ton on the return side.
What Kind Of Warranties Cover This Equipment?
Have in writing both the manufacturer's and the contractor's warranties on the equipment and installation. The manufacturer's warranty should specify the length of time your unit is covered and which of the specific components are included.
What Kind Of Warranty Do They Offer On Labor?
Most manufacturer’s warranties cover only equipment, and parts. It is generally up to the contractor who installs new equipment to warranty labor. Ask what kind of warranty the contractor offers on labor. A reputable contractor will warranty labor for one year from the date of installation. It's also a good idea to ask whether the contractor will make evening and weekend warranty calls in cases of extreme weather conditions. A labor warranty on your air conditioner is of little use if your unit goes out on a Friday night and the contractor who installed it only makes warranty calls Mondays through Fridays from eight to five. Drake Heating & Air backs all installations with our exclusive "Customer Bill of Rights" you will never have to worry about your investment.
What Are Their Prices And Term?
The contractor should provide you with a written contract before performing the work. Make sure the quoted price includes the equipment, installation, all permits, and taxes.
Do They Sub-Contract Installations?
Many air conditioning companies have on-staff technicians to examine and repair existing cooling systems, but use sub-contractors for new installations. Know exactly who you are working with. Drake Heating & Air never sub-contracts installations.
Are Their Technicians NATE Certified?
While an air conditioning contractor must have a license to operate in the State of Ohio, his employees are not required to hold any licenses or certificates (other than the EPA certification which allows them to handle refrigerant). However, according to independent research, 87% of consumers want a certified technician to service their heating and air conditioning equipment. When you call a company for air conditioning or heating service, be sure and ask whether any of their technicians are NATE Certified. NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. To become NATE Certified, a technician must pass both a core exam and a specialty exam. The core exam covers the fundamentals of math, customer relations, electricity, heat transfer, and comfort. Speciality exams include air distribution, air conditioning, heat pumps, gas heating, and oil heating. NATE certified technicians are more likely to do the job right the first time and generally remain longer in the air conditioning and heating industry.