Choosing a Heating and Cooling Contractor
Environmental Energy Technologies Divn., Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

The following tips can help you make an educated decision and receive quality service from your contractor:|

• Your contractor should be licensed, well trained, and experienced to provide quality installations. Don't be afraid to ask your contractor about his or her training, experience, and membership in contractor associations.

• Good contractors own and use refrigerant recovery equipment and are certified to handle refrigerant in cooling systems. Demand proof that your contractor is certified.

• Contractors should know how to properly size your home heating and cooling system (e.g., determine whether you need a 2-ton or 3-ton cooling system). Don't use a contractor who wants to size your unit solely on the square footage of your house.

• Contractors should calculate equipment size using computer software or professional guidelines such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's "Manual J."

• To gather necessary information, the contractor should spend at least a half hour poking around your house, taking measurements, and asking questions. He or she needs to measure ceilings, floors, windows, and walls, and check insulation throughout the home. Systems that have been sized properly to fit your home provide better humidity control, cycle on and off less frequently, and cost less than oversized systems. Insist on getting a copy of the load calculations (or computer printout). These can be useful for comparing bids.

• Ask your contractor to inspect your ducts for leaks, incomplete connections, and compatibility with the rest of your system. Ideally, your contractor should use diagnostic equipment and fix leaks using a quality duct sealant (duct tape is not sufficient). He or she may also recommend changes to your duct system. Since as much as 30 percent of the efficiency of your system is a result of your duct work, overlooking duct improvements may compromise comfort and cost you money.

• If your house or water heater uses combustion (i.e., it burns something like natural gas or fuel oil), you should have a house pressurization test performed to make certain there is no danger of "backdrafting." Backdrafting is when the fumes from the combustion process are pulled back into the home, threatening the health and safety of occupants. Click here for more information about house pressurization tests.

• Air conditioners and heat pumps must have matching indoor and outdoor coils. Your contractor should replace both coils at the same time for maximum efficiency.

• Have your contractor install for ease of maintenance. Make sure the inside coil can be reached for cleaning. Depending on the model, the contractor may need to install an access panel. The coil should be cleaned every two years. The air filter should also be easy to remove and should be cleaned or changed whenever it is dirty. (This can be monthly during peak season.)

• If possible, have the contractor place outside air conditioning units on the north or east side of the house, out of direct sunlight. Leave plenty of room for free air flow on all sides, and at least 4 feet at the top. Keep the area free of debris and shrubbery.

• Always obtain a written contract or proposal before allowing your contractor to install a new system and be sure to ask about warranties.

• Remember, the contractor who gives you the lowest bid may not be the best choice for you. Paying slightly more may get you better equipment and better service. Carefully evaluate a contractor's proposal to ensure you get the equipment and service that best meets your needs.