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Last updated: 11 April 2024
Hiring HVAC technicians
Imagine the cool breeze of air conditioning in the heat of the summer. Or a cosy home during a frosty winter. Whether you're after heat or coolness, you'll need to hire a HVAC technician. Find out how to hire a HVAC technician in this guide.
Hiring HVAC technicians: How to choose an HVAC company
Knowing how to choose the right HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) contractor is crucial for a professional installation.
Whether it's a new unit, repairs to an existing one, or you need maintenance services, our guide is here to help you find the right trade for the job.
Search online directories like Checkatrade
You'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our checks on Checkatrade.
On average our trades score 9 out of 10 on everything from workmanship and reliability to tidiness.
Start your search by entering your postcode below.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job
Ask for advice about hiring HVAC technicians
Chatting to your friends and family is a simple yet effective way to find highly-rated and local professionals.
Reach out to your colleagues, relatives, and neighbours to see who they consider reliable HVAC technicians. Their firsthand experiences with professional tradespeople might offer valuable insights, especially about who to avoid and what good looks like.
Before you make a decision, check your potential HVAC contractor has a Checkatrade member profile. You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our checks on Checkatrade
See if other trusted tradespeople have any recommendations
If you've ever worked with a dependable tradesperson, such as a builder, who delivered exceptional results, you'd want to know who else they rate.
So, if you know someone like that, use them! Industry professionals are an excellent resource for referrals, especially when you've built a trusting relationship with them.
Tips for choosing and hiring the right HVAC contractor
Work out what you need
Which are you looking for – HVAC installation, repair, or maintenance? They all have unique requirements and time demands, so will need different levels of organisation.
It's also worth working out if you have any preferences around certain practices or features, such as energy efficiency or air purifying capabilities. If so, you'll need to take these into account.
Do your research
Look at past reviews to see who has had good experiences with your potential HVAC contractors. Word-of-mouth and digital reviews are handy. Make informed choices, and don't just go for the cheapest option!
Check their credentials
Once you've narrowed down the pool of potential HVAC installers, check they have the appropriate licenses and certifications associated with your local authority.
If they're members of industry organisations, associations, and governing bodies, such as the Heating & Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA), this is also a good sign.
Another credential worth verifying is their insurance coverage. This includes liability insurance.
Request and compare several quotes
To make sure you have a well-rounded number of quotes, ask multiple HVAC technicians for detailed proposals regarding the job you need carrying out.
The quote should include the cost of the unit or materials, the labour required to complete the job, and any additional fees (if applicable). Although it's tempting to go for lower bids, this might indicate poor quality or hidden costs.
Evaluate their experience and expertise
Do a little digging to learn about your potential contractor's experience with HVAC installations. Check their portfolio and ask for references to gauge their professionalism and workmanship.
Top tip: Find them on Checkatrade to review their portfolio and reviews in one place!
Ask them about energy efficiency
With climate change a top priority for most people these days, finding an energy-efficient unit is a plus. Talk to your contractor to discuss your options regarding high-efficiency equipment and installation practices. They've hopefully had experience with these kinds of upgrades in the past.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Review their contracts and warranties
Before hiring any HVAC technicians, carefully review your contract to make sure all the terms and conditions make sense. The terms should include project timelines, payment schedules, and warranty details.
Make sure you clarify any uncertainties or discrepancies before signing the contract.
Contracts with tradespeople: Always get your job in writing
Discover the importance of a written contract with a tradesperson and the risks of not having one.
Make sure everything is in writing
Building on the above, we recommend you document the communication between you and your contractor, including your agreements, so you're on the same page.
If there are any changes to the project, be sure to put this in writing to avoid potential disputes or misunderstandings in the future. Also, keep copies of contracts, invoices, receipts, and warranties to have a paper/digital trail.
Ask about ongoing maintenance
Are there any maintenance plans or service agreements being offered? Is the contractor committed to making sure your HVAC system lasts as long as possible?
Consider signing up for a maintenance plan with regular tune-ups and inspections for greater peace of mind. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
Trust your instincts
You know when you know, right? So, pay attention to your instincts when interacting with potential contractors. If something seems off, it probably is.
For example, a contractor who communicates effectively, listens to your concerns, and demonstrates professionalism.
Summary: Tips on how to choose the right HVAC contractor
Start the hiring process well in advance of the project's start date. This will give you enough time to research your options
Ask the contractor if you have any questions regarding any part of the project or contract. Communication is key.
While word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted sources are useful, it's still essential to conduct your own research and due diligence
Avoid making hasty decisions based solely on price. Instead, consider the contractor's experience, qualifications, and reputation. You pay for quality
Take your time to make an informed decision and choose a contractor who's best suited to your situation
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Why should I hire an HVAC technician?
Hiring HVAC technicians means your system is in good hands when it comes to:
Safety: They have the necessary qualifications to carry out the job to a high standard
Efficiency: Their experience means they're quick and good at what they do
Peace of mind: Knowing your project is in safe hands helps you sleep at night
A qualified professional will also extend the life of your system.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job
Summary: Questions to ask when choosing your HVAC contractor
Are you licensed and insured?
Your contractor should have the necessary licenses and certifications, as required by local authorities, and the correct insurance.
Related content: Air conditioning building regulations.
What experience do you have with similar projects?
Hiring good HVAC technicians means choosing tradespeople with relevant experience installing, repairing, or maintaining systems similar to yours. Ask for examples of past projects and references from satisfied clients.
Do you offer free estimates?
Ask for a quote that breaks down the costs for materials and labour and a potential timeline. Check there aren't any additional fees before you sign a contract.
Can you provide references or customer testimonials?
You can learn a lot about tradespeople from their references and customer testimonials. Why not do your due diligence by following up and asking previous clients about their experiences?
What brands or manufacturers do you work with?
If your potential contractor has partnerships or affiliations with specific HVAC brands or manufacturers, this is worth discussing. Work out the options available to you and make sure the products being used are high-quality and come from reputable companies.
Do you offer warranties on your work?
Warranties or guarantees offered by the contractor for both their workmanship and the products they install are important (for obvious reasons). So, clarify the terms and duration of the warranty before you let any work commence.
What is your approach to energy efficiency?
If it's a priority for you, ask your potential technician about their energy efficiency and sustainability credentials. For example, do they have energy-efficient options for equipment, installation practices, and any recommendations for improvements? If the answer is yes, they're likely a good fit.
How do you handle permits and regulatory compliance?
Determine whether the necessary permits for the project have been or will be obtained. You want to make sure anyone working in your home complies with local building codes and regulations.
Also, discuss any regulatory requirements specific to your area. For example, some homes aren't suitable for certain ventilation systems installed on the outside walls.
What is your payment schedule?
Avoid contractors who demand full payment upfront and make sure payment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of work. Clarify the payment terms and schedule with your contractor before the project starts.
Do you offer maintenance plans or ongoing support?
To keep your HVAC system in good working order, check any maintenance plans or service agreements offered by your potential tradesperson. Discuss the benefits and costs of enrolling in their maintenance program. Choose what works for you.
Cost of hiring HVAC technicians
How much your HVAC system or service will cost depends on various factors. These include the scope of work, the type of equipment needed, and the contractor's pricing structure. For example, installations will cost more than maintenance services.
Take a look at our HVAC cost guide for more information.
Top tips: Request quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices and timeframes.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job