Contractor + You = A Highly Efficient Relationship

Choosing the right contractor is easier when you’re prepared. In fact, asking the right questions before you hire can help you avoid costly mistakes. 

To find contractors to interview...

• Search our Energy Efficiency Directory
• Ask people you know for referrals
• Contact local trade organizations, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, for members

When you meet with a prospective contractor, what should you expect?

• A demonstrated commitment to quality. Heating and cooling equipment, for instance, must be properly sized and installed to provide the efficiency and performance it was designed to deliver.
• A list of references and credentials regarding the quality of its installation and/or service work.
• A written, itemized estimate. Never accept estimates by phone. When comparing estimates, consider cost, energy efficiency and warranties—not just price. A cheaper but less energy-efficient product could raise your energy bills.
• A written contract, before beginning work, that includes specified project costs, model numbers, the job schedule and warranty information.

And for heating and cooling equipment specifically...

• A load calculation that uses your home’s design data to determine correct equipment size. Never hire a contractor who sizes your unit based solely on your home’s square footage.
• An agreement to properly inspect your home’s duct system and provide any needed sealing, repairs or modifications.
• Confirmation that new cooling equipment will be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. This includes verifying that the system airflow across the coil and the refrigerant charge are within the manufacturer’s specifications.