Top considerations while selecting the right HVAC

contractor

As seasons fluctuate and climate changes, we're in for a rough ride in terms of temperature

variations. As the construction industry evolves, our buildings are getting bigger and

broader. Having fresh air circulating in all parts of a gigantic structure requires complex

planning. The answer to these two conundrums is a robust Heating Ventilation and Air

Conditioning (HVAC) system.

An HVAC system is probably the most important part of the construction process from a

comfort point of view. A comfortable surrounding fosters productivity and progress. A

well-ventilated structure is also safer for its occupants, especially during fires and outbreaks

of common illnesses.

Finding the correct HVAC contractor that ticks all the boxes is therefore a crucial

step in the construction process:

Licensing:
HVAC is a complex undertaking. You want to make sure that the contractor you onboard

has the correct licenses and comes with a crew of well-trained professionals who are

adequately insured and do not cut corners.

Experience:
Every construction project is different. A contractor that has put in the time in the industry

can consistently deliver quality and is expected to be prepared for any outcome, with

knowledge of the best techniques and processes in the industry. Longevity in the market

also indicates that they are doing something right.

Certifications:
A contractor with the correct certifications is likely to work with the best in the industry and

can get things done quicker, by knowing what steps are taken at every stage of an HVAC

system installation. Certificates also act as a badge of honour, building a reputation that a

contractor must live up to.

Site evaluation:
Reputed HVAC contractors conduct an evaluation of your site, capturing and feeding data in

industry-specific software to arrive at the best HVAC solutions for you. This step also

reveals their level of expertise and method of operations that can help you pick the correct

contractor. It is important to be present at these evaluations.

Maintenance:
Inquire an HVAC contractor's maintenance policies. How thorough would the testing be

after installation. Do they provide periodic checkups and at what costs? Will they be able to

also provide repair solutions or would you have to source another vendor for that purpose?

Efficiency:
What is the Energy Star-rating of the equipment your HVAC contractor can provide? Are

they familiar with and can source the most energy efficient models? What other procedures

do they suggest to optimize the efficiency of the system?

Testimonials:
The only true way of testing an HVAC system is with time around the year as the seasons

change. Insist on a list of past projects they have worked on and if possible, conduct a

thorough inspection at these sites if access is available. Faulty installation measures have a

way of showing their unfortunate faces in a few months.

Estimates:
Lastly, before finalizing on an HVAC contractor, insist on an itemized estimate and consider

all costs, fees and warranties. Total price alone is not a good indicator of the best

contractor. Climate also plays a big part in identifying whether their suggested solution is

the correct one for your project.

Winston Churchill once said, "We shape our buildings. Thereafter they shape us."

Treat every building project as a step towards building your legacy. What you build today

has the potential to far outlast your business. It is therefore important to take your time in

picking the right partners to work with.