When the HVAC technician arrives at your West Chester home for a system repair, service or estimate, you should have the reassurance the company represented is honest, professional and possesses long-standing ties to the community. Confirm these attributes by verifying they have proper licensing, bonding and insurance.

Aboveboard Business Practices

Whether you contact HVAC companies through referrals of family and friends, an online search, the yellow pages or a combination of resources, there are three criteria which to confirm before any serious talks begin:

• Licensed - Any shady opportunist can call himself a contractor, but proving it is another matter. Ask prospective contractors to show proof that all local licensing requirements are fulfilled and current.
• Bonded - Bonding ensures all parties (e.g. you, the contractor, sub-contractors and employees) that any issues arising from work ordered are financially secured through a private third party or through the municipality.
• Insured - An HVAC company should have insurance against mishaps on your property. Make sure all contractors which you're consulting with are up to date on their policies, and call the insurance companies to confirm dates, types and policy amounts.

Credentials: A Cut Above

Ongoing care and service of your home comfort systems should be taken seriously as an investment in comfort, efficiency and property. The company to which you entrust this responsibility should be a cut above. The next step for finding your new contracting company is inquiring of industry recognized credentials, manufacturer’s and community awards and verification of best business practices.

• NATE - The company you hire should employ NATE-certified technicians. NATE is the gold standard for technician excellence.
• ACCA - The top professional association of HVAC contractors is Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). For the contractor you invite to your home, membership is required.
• Awards - Is your contractor recognized in the HVAC industry as a cut above the rest? 

The business practices of your HVAC contractor should be an open book, and you should certainly go by the book when vetting companies for your Cincinnati home. Contact us at Tri-County Heating & Cooling for superior service and best business practices today.

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