What Is an HVAC Contractor and When You Might Need One?

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems play an essential role in the upkeep of the modern home. Though we may take HVAC for granted, it’s hard to imagine a world without it. These systems make our homes cool during the dog days of summer and keep us toasty warm during the cold winter.

When it's time to upgrade to a new HVAC system, or if something goes wrong, the HVAC contractor will be the one to call.

In this series of articles, we take a look at the different kinds of professionals you might hire for your home improvement projects. You may have heard of some of these trades but might not know exactly what they do. Contractors.com will fill you in on everything you need to know about HVAC contractors, including when you might need one.

What Does an HVAC Contractor Do?

What Does an HVAC Contractor Do?

Simply put, the job of an HVAC contractor is to install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. These technicians are trained in all three areas of HVAC, namely heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, though some HVAC services will be more specialized in one or several of these areas. Some HVAC contractors focus on residential HVAC systems, whereas others specialize in other areas, such as commercial AC systems. 

In general, HVAC contractors ensure that your HVAC system is routinely maintained and properly set up so that everything works as designed. To do their job properly, HVAC contractors must be able to complete various repairs while considering the age and condition of each HVAC system they work on. 

An HVAC contractor, therefore, has a complicated job that requires understanding a range of concepts, including the principles of refrigeration and heating and how they apply to various heating and cooling systems. 

It is also the HVAC contractor’s responsibility to plan and implement the installation of a new HVAC system. The technician must ensure that the new system has been properly installed and works as intended. This is especially important from a health and safety standpoint, as certain procedures - such as furnace repair- need the special attention of a trained technician to be done safely.

When Might You Need an HVAC Contractor?

If your home improvement dreams include air conditioning installation or replacement plans, an HVAC contractor will be indispensable in realizing those goals. HVAC installation requires considerable technical skill, so it pays to hire an expert to deal with the more complicated details. This will make the whole process easier and make things safer since you will have a trained professional making sure all the work is planned and done correctly. 

Even if you aren’t planning to replace your HVAC system anytime soon, an HVAC contractor can still be very helpful. They can help keep your old system running smoothly by completing regular maintenance and repairs. If your HVAC system hasn’t been checked in a while, getting a contractor to examine it can help identify and fix potential problems so that you don’t have to face unpleasant surprises like an AC failure in the middle of summer. 

When Might You Need an HVAC Contractor

HVAC contractors are instrumental in rehabilitating existing HVAC systems. They act much like a doctor for your HVAC system, diagnosing problems with your central air conditioner, checking ductwork for leaks, and measuring airflow. HVAC contractors can also be called upon to do emergency repairs if something suddenly goes wrong. 

They can also improve the performance and extend the lifetime of your existing heating and cooling system. HVAC contractors have a range of services to do this, including air conditioner repair, furnace repair, air conditioning installation, and duct cleaning. An HVAC technician can also give you tips to lower energy bills, such as replacing doors, sealing doors and windows, upgrading your home’s insulation, or better insulating the HVAC system. 

Improving the Air Quality In Your Home Starts with Calling an HVAC Contractor

If you want to improve the air quality in your home further, the HVAC contractor can also advise on whether your home would do well with a humidifier or dehumidifier, as well as install them if you decide you do need one.

How Do They Fit in With the Larger Project?

Any full-capacity home remodel will require you to visit or revisit your home’s air conditioning system, and an HVAC contractor will usually come in to do just that before the drywall goes up and after the main structure has been built. Even if you’re just looking to install a new system, an HVAC contractor will be there to help work out all the technical details. By considering your home’s dimensions, the HVAC technician will determine your system's layout, the type of heating and cooling system needed, and how much refrigerant will be required. 

HVAC contractors might also coordinate with electricians, mechanical contractors, and even plumbers to ensure that work is done correctly. For example, an HVAC contractor can collaborate with a plumber to ensure that a water boiler is correctly integrated into the HVAC. A good HVAC contractor should be thorough, evaluating a home, its insulation, and its size before completing major work.

How Much Do HVAC Contractors Charge?

Some HVAC contractors will offer you free on-site estimates, but this is not always the case. Typically, they charge a minimum service call fee ranging from $75 to $200 per hour. How much an HVAC contractor costs will vary depending on your location, home size, and what kind of work you need to do. 

For routine maintenance and/or repairs, expect to pay from $80 to $150 per hour. However, more complex repairs can range from $300 to over $2,000. For a complete HVAC replacement - meaning both furnace and AC unit - you can pay from $10,000 to nearly $15,000. On average, cleaning your HVAC system can cost around $450 to $1,000.

How to Choose the Best HVAC Contractor for You

How to Choose the Best HVAC Contractor For You

When choosing an HVAC contractor, there are a few important questions you should ask beforehand: 

1. Ask for an estimate. Price is always a big consideration, given that HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair can be some of the most expensive home improvement projects. Don’t shy away from asking an HVAC contractor to give you an estimation of expenses for their services. A qualified HVAC contractor should be able to give you an itemized list of what everything will cost when all is said and done — including potential surprises.  
2. Ask for a time estimate. With hourly rates, time is literally money. When considering a prospective HVAC contractor, ask them to give you an estimate of how much time they will need to complete the job in question. This will allow you to better plan your affairs around the fact that your home’s heating or cooling might be temporarily out of service while the contractor works on it. 
3. License and insurance. Several states and cities in the United States require HVAC contractors to hold a license and carry insurance to work legally. Checking they’re a licensed HVAC contractor who holds all the relevant permits is a great way to make sure you are dealing with a certified professional and avoid getting pulled into legal matters yourself. You can check the particular requirements for your state/city here.
4. Experience. Finding the most experienced HVAC contractor is a great way to ensure that your home improvement plans go off without a hitch. Feel free to ask an HVAC contractor about their experience. Less experienced HVAC contractors tend to focus on routine maintenance work and may not be suitable for more complex jobs. 
5. Online reviews. Whether browsing HVAC contractors on our website or asking friends for referrals, reading reviews is another way to verify your contractor’s credentials. Try to get references from your contractor who are willing to vouch for the contractor’s performance.
6. Sign a contract. This may seem above and beyond, but having an agreement with your contractor in writing gives you protection and peace of mind. Putting important details in writing, such as costs, model numbers, job timeframes, and warranties, is important, especially if you are planning to undertake more costly HVAC projects.  

HVAC systems play quite an important role in our daily lives and significantly influence our health and comfort. A well-maintained HVAC system can make the difference between a healthy indoor environment and a poorly ventilated one, especially during the time of coronavirus. With a little research and preparation, you can go a long way toward finding the best HVAC contractor for the job you require. In the internet age, HVAC projects have become just that little easier to accomplish.