How to Find Reputable HVAC Contractors

When you're in the market for an HVAC contractor, the process can become quite vexing. After all, you need to find a company that you can fully trust with essential systems that ensure a high level of home comfort. Our goal here is to make the process easier for you by providing a few simple tips.

Ask Around for Recommendations

If you can get a recommendation from someone you know -- family member, friend, or co-worker -- your search may be over only a few moments after it's begun. This is definitely the first step you should take.

Check Out Referrals

The first time you contact a new contractor, ask for a list of referrals of past clients. You can receive a fair sampling by choosing one or two letters from the alphabet, and then asking for referrals with last names that correspond to your choices.

Ensure NATE Certification

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification provides testing on technicians to ensure vast knowledge of various HVAC systems and topics. If a potential company doesn't utilize certified technicians, go somewhere else for service.

Make Sure They're Attentive

While it's true that HVAC contractors typically have a lot of customers to deal with at any given time, that's certainly no excuse for providing bad service. You should always expect to be treated respectfully and responded to in a timely manner.

Check on Industry Knowledge

We're not talking about basic industry knowledge -- every HVAC company will obviously employ technicians who know their jobs. What you should look for, though, is a contractor that keeps up with evolving technology and techniques.

Take a Look at the BBB Website

The Better Business Bureau website is a great way to get a feel for the quality of an HVAC contractor. You can use the site to check out a company's ratings and see how they handled any complaints against them.

For more expert advice on how to find a reputable HVAC contractor, or any other home comfort concerns, contact the professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding area since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC contractors and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “PeteLinforth/Pixabay”

Verifying That an HVAC Company is Reputable

The search for the right HVAC company can be daunting if you don't know what qualifications to look for. Here are some recommendations to help you sort through the competitors and find a reputable company that can provide quality results.

Finding the Right HVAC Company

1. Ask friends and family for recommendations. This is where you start. Ask why your acquaintances are recommending the consultant that they use. Call several of these recommended companies and ask for references. Call the references and ask if jobs were completed in a reasonable time, and if the work was satisfactory.

2. Call the Better Business Bureau. Find out if the company you're interested in has had complaints filed against it, and if so, why. Also consider any good reviews issued by the BBB.

3. Read the online reviews with reservations. Many online sites offer a forum for reviewing a customer's experience with a company. But, bear in mind that some reviewers have an ax to grind, while other, more positive reviews might be posted by someone with an interest in promoting the company more than it deserves.

4. Check out certifications. HVAC industry certifications may be a sign of the company's professionalism. For instance, proclaiming that the company's technicians are NATE- (North American Technician's Excellence) certified signifies the technicians have been rigorously tested and qualified by the highest standards in the industry. Membership in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) means the company has a stake in maintaining top professional standards.

5. Ask about licensing, bonding, and insurance. Oklahoma HVAC contractors are required to be properly licensed. Often, the contractor must be bonded and insured to qualify for a license. You should be sure your HVAC professional has liability insurance to protect your home in case a worker is injured or damage occurs.

6. Avoid contractors who give estimates over the phone. For the best results, HVAC contractors should always come to your home to assess repairs or installations, and give you a written estimate.

Contact Air Assurance for more information on hiring a reputable HVAC company. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/pixabay”

Look for a Tech With These HVAC Certifications

Choosing an experienced and skilled HVAC contractor to repair, install, and service the HVAC equipment in your home ensures your family's comfort and safety. A reliable contractor not only stays up-to-date on industry standards themselves, they also make sure that every technician they employ has current certifications that demonstrate their knowledge, training and experience. Here are some key HVAC certifications to look for in an technician so you can have peace of mind that your costly and critically important comfort equipment is in good hands.

State Licensing

In Oklahoma, HVAC technicians must be licensed through the Construction Industries Board (CIB). Applicants must pass an in-depth exam and meet the board's strict educational and work experience requirements. The HVAC company they work for should also be licensed and have the state-required surety bond and liability insurance coverage in place. You can verify an HVAC contractor or technician's license right on the CIB's website.

NATE Certification

Reputable HVAC companies insist that their technicians are certified through the industry-leading North American Technician Excellence (NATE). To gain certification through this nonprofit testing organization, technicians have to pass a stringent core exam on their general industry knowledge, along with a specialty exam in their choice of either service or installation.

HVAC Excellence Certification

Another prominent independent testing organization, HVAC Excellence offers certification for technicians at either the professional or master specialist level. Technicians who obtain a professional-level certification have two years of relevant industry experience and have passed a rigorous exam. To achieve master specialist certification, technicians must have three years of practical experience in addition to passing the exam.

EPA 608 Certification

In order to install, repair or service air conditioners or heat pumps that contain refrigerants like R-22 or R-410A, HVAC technicians need to be certified through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the certification requirements in Section 608 of the EPA's Clean Air Act, technicians must pass core and specialty testing to assess their knowledge on industry best practices for service and refrigerant reclamation.

To learn more about the importance of HVAC certifications, contact the Broken Arrow comfort pros at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC certifications and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “ArtsyBee/pixabay”

Installing a New Furnace? Questions to Ask Your HVAC Contractor

If you’re planning on installing a new furnace or air conditioner, arm yourself with these questions to ask your HVAC technician before the installation process begins.

• Are you licensed and insured? Ask for the contractor’s license number and verify it with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. Then, ask whether the contractor has liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Odds are the job will go smoothly, but just in case, insurance guarantees you are not responsible for any accident or injury.

• Are you NATE certified? While you certainly want a contractor who is licensed and insured, take it one step further by asking about North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. This is the only third-party certification program for HVAC technicians recognized across the industry.

• Can you give me references and a written bid? Check with references and compare bids from three or more contractors before making your choice.

• How will you size my new furnace? If the contractor says they plan on installing a new furnace based on square footage alone, look elsewhere. This inaccurate rule of thumb won’t provide the accurate sizing you need for efficient performance and maximum home comfort. Formal calculations are found in Manual J, and that’s what you want your contractor to refer to when sizing your new HVAC equipment.

• Are there any rebates available? Many companies consider this a hassle. Paperwork, delayed payment, etc can deter them from doing the right thing. Always ask or do your research. WIth the many rebates available currently, you can purchase higher efficiency units at the same cost as the lower efficient units for the same net cost!

• What energy efficiency should I choose? Discuss all your options with the contractor and figure out your return on investment for more costly but also more efficient furnaces so you can make an informed decision.

• What about warranties? Compare warranty options between units. Get any guarantees from the contractor in writing.

• Will someone come and inspect my system? It’s common practice for the contractor to revisit your home about one month after installation to verify the furnace is working correctly.

• What maintenance should I perform? Taking good care of your furnace after it’s installed will help it perform efficiently and last years longer. Learn about changing the filter and sign up for a maintenance agreement.

Air Assurance is a reputable, affordable contractor in Broken Arrow. To start the process of installing a new furnace, contact us today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

5 HVAC Installation Tips That Save Money, Headaches Down the Road

Whether you're installing an HVAC system in a new home or updating your existing equipment, you're going to rely on its heating and cooling capabilities to keep you comfortable for many years. The following HVAC installation tips can help ensure that you reap the greatest benefit from this major investment.

• Hire a trustworthy contractor. A reliable, reputable contractor will have North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification, and the skills and experience to install your new HVAC equipment correctly. Take the time to research and locate an HVAC contractor who'll install equipment that matches your needs, and who'll stand behind his work with a guarantee. If you base your choice of contractor solely on price, you may end up paying more down the road if the work performed is sub-standard.

• Ensure correct system capacity. Your contractor should assess your home based on square footage, insulation level, window type, and a number of other critical factors. Then, he or she should calculate the needed equipment capacity using the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's (ACCA) Manual J. Inaccurately sized HVAC equipment won't keep your home comfortable, and could result in higher energy bills due to inefficient operation.

• Take insulation into account. Your home's insulation plays an important role in both comfort and energy savings. You won't benefit from an energy-efficient system that's correctly sized and properly installed if you're lacking sufficient insulation in your home.

• Consider your ductwork. Your new, ultra-efficient HVAC system won't effectively heat and cool your home if your ducting design isn't adequate, if the connections aren't sealed, or if it's not insulated properly. Your ductwork is a key factor that should be considered in the planning stage of an HVAC purchase.

• Get your new installation inspected. Once your contractor has completed the job, make sure you schedule an inspection through your municipality. A building inspector will check that your new system is installed correctly, and that the work meets all local codes.

To learn more helpful HVAC installation tips for your Broken Arrow area home, contact us at Air Assurance. We've been providing outstanding service to our customers since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Why NATE-Certified Technicians Are Different From The Rest

nate certified technicians broken arrow oklahoma tulsa

There are many reasons to choose a NATE-certified technician when looking for assistance with heating, cooling or energy efficiency. NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence, and the NATE certification process ensures that the program's technicians have the skills to do a great job. When you hire someone who is not NATE-certified, you really have no idea about the training or skills of your technician.CertificationNATE-certified technicians not only undergo rigorous training, they must also pass specialized tests to ensure that they have full mastery of their trades. They must also choose a specialty to study more intensively. To ensure that NATE-certified technicians stay up to date with the latest industry technologies, they must retest every five years to stay certified.NATE technicians can specialize in the following areas:

• Air conditioning

• Air distribution

• HVAC efficiency analysis

• Heat pumps

• Gas or oil furnaces

• Hydronics, gas or oil

• Commercial refrigeration

• Light commercial refrigeration

• Ground-source heat pump loop installation

BenefitsWhen you insist on NATE certification, you can be sure of your technician's knowledge and skills. Surveys of homeowners who hire NATE-certified technicians show that most homeowners would hire a NATE technician again, because the job gets done right the first time. In fact, hiring a NATE-certified technician will often save you money in energy costs in the long run.You can also trust the NATE organization itself, because its sole purpose is to certify excellent technicians. The organization is a non-profit, third-party organization, so it is not affiliated with any one HVAC company.To hire a NATE-certified technician in the Broken Arrow area, contact the friendly experts at Air Assurance.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     

Insist On NATE Certification -- Because The Job Needs To Be Done Right

When you hire an HVAC technician to work on your home equipment, you want the job done right -- the first time. Choosing a technician with NATE certification will help you to achieve that goal. Here’s why:

About NATE

There are three qualities you need to know about NATE, or North American Technician Excellence. It’s an organization that’s:

• Non-profit

• Third-party

• Independent

Why do these factors matter? Well, it’s the combination of these three attributes that makes NATE the go-to, coveted certification nationwide.

The NATE value

NATE is not motivated by a bottom line; it’s comprised of a panel of experts from across the HVAC industry, including manufacturers, contractors and utility companies; and its sole purpose is to test and certify only those individuals that prove themselves. Other certification programs are often motivated by profit: It’s to their advantage to certify when training individuals on their own equipment. But that’s not what NATE does.

The NATE testing process

In order to qualify for NATE certification, a technician must pass a series of tests. The testing process is rigorous, covering all aspects of the HVAC industry, real-life scenarios, and technological advancements. To maintain certification, technicians must retest every five years.

How NATE helps homeowners

So what does all this mean for you, the homeowner? When you hire a NATE-certified technician, you’ll reap several benefits. In fact, a survey of homeowners who have used a NATE technician reveals these benefits, as they were far more satisfied with their overall experience than homeowners who didn’t use a NATE technician. These homeowners:

• Would choose the same contractor again

• Experienced a higher general customer satisfaction

• Were highly satisfied with the system the technician worked on, in terms of efficiency, comfort, and noise levels

• Required fewer callbacks, because the job was done right the first time

The next time you need high-quality workmanship and want an experience that leaves you with a high sense of customer satisfaction, contact the experts at Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality, and ask about our NATE certification. We've proudly served homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!