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How to Find a Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor
When you need to replace your heating and air conditioning system, or if it’s been years since it was last maintained, you can call a professional to help. The right heating and air conditioning contractor can make all the difference in how your new system performs.
There are three main parts of the job: inspection and maintenance, repair, and installation. In inspection and maintenance, the HVAC technician checks ductwork, pipes and tube joints for leaks or short circuits; cleans and refills refrigerant; checks electric circuits, thermostats, and other components; changes air filters; tests fans and motors for optimal efficiency; and repairs faulty parts when necessary.
In the repair portion of the job, the HVAC technician removes faulty parts of your system and replaces them with new ones. This is the most important and critical part of the job, as it helps get your system back up and running, and ensures your home’s heating or cooling is working properly.
Installing a new HVAC system is an extremely involved process, and it requires skill, patience, and experience. During the installation, the HVAC contractor carefully measures your house and installs the correct sized unit for the space. Then, the contractor updates and installs ductwork and pipes.
Be sure the HVAC contractor you hire is licensed and insured to perform the work. This will give you peace of mind and a better chance of getting the job done correctly the first time.
A good way to find a reputable contractor is to look up their licensing online. Most states and some local areas require contractors to have a license before they can do any work.
Licensing is important for a few reasons, but mostly to reassure you that the contractor possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to do the work safely. Many states also require that a contractor pass a background check and receive certain insurance policies.
Obtaining the appropriate licensing is an essential part of becoming an HVAC technician. The license requirements vary from state to state, but you should be able to obtain a license through completing a training course and passing a licensing exam.
The length of time it takes to complete the required education and training will depend on where you live, as well as your school choice. The earliest option is to attend a technical college for an associate’s degree in an HVAC-related field. Alternatively, you could enter an apprenticeship with an experienced HVAC technician and continue your education through on-the-job training.
In most cases, it takes about four to five years of schooling or work experience to earn an associate’s degree and become a licensed HVAC technician. Having a degree can be a major advantage, as it may increase your earning potential.