Choosing The Right Contractor

The process of selecting a home heating contractor can be very overwhelming even for the very technically minded person.

Choosing a reliable contractor is more important than the brand of equipment, because no matter how well-made a furnace is or who manufactures it, the comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency are still in the hands of the contractor doing the installing.

If you know of a good contractor, that’s a good place to start. Ask family and friends for recommendations and consider getting several estimates.

What should you look for?

• A qualified estimator will do a survey and provide a heat-load calculation for your home. Many existing furnaces aren’t properly sized to meet your home heating needs.

• A good company will provide a written proposal outlining the work to be done and the price.

• A good company will have financing plans available and also offer extended service plans and maintenance agreements.

• A reliable contractor will normally provide information on more than one type of furnace. Along with this information he should be able to give annual operating costs for each furnace for your home.

• A good contractor should ask about heating and cooling problems you may have experienced with your old system.

• A well-trained contractor will not try to discourage you from purchasing high efficiency equipment. If this happens get a second opinion.

• A good contractor is professional. Their people are prompt; they keep appointments; they are courteous; neat, and well groomed

Remember:

• They should have an office/shop facility and not be ashamed to have you visit it.

• Better companies usually charge more but offer greater value. While prices are different, it is more important that you are satisfied with the end result.

• Call your local Better Business Bureau or mechanical contractor’s association and ask about the company. History of business problems or customer complaints may spell trouble.

• Remember how a company treats you now reflects how they will treat you if there’s a problem.

• Remember, this is your home, your time and money. You have to live with the results. We urge you to investigate all possible routes before you commit. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Bluefield Gas Company at (304) 327-7161 or use our online inquiry form.