When choosing heating specialists, you should check on the credentials of the business or individual who will perform your heating installation or repair work. You should also ask for references and check to see if any of the major consumer reporting websites have any information on the heating specialists whom you consider hiring. Ask for estimates from heating companies and take time to compare them carefully before making a final decision.
In many jurisdictions, heating specialists must hold a government license in order to engage in heating installation or repair. If this is the case in the area where you live, be sure to check on the licensing status of any company that you hire. If you live in a place where heating specialists are not licensed, you should find out if a company or individual is a member of a trade or professional organization for heating specialists. These credentials, while not an absolute assurance of quality, can indicate that the heating specialists whom you work with have the knowledge necessary to appropriately repair or install heating equipment in your home or building.
If you find a specialist who interests you, check with the licensing or professional organization through which the specialist holds his credentials. Ask if the specialist has ever been subjected to any disciplinary procedures. You may also wish to go online and check out consumer reporting sites to see what kind of reputation the specialist has among former customers. Other options are to call consumer advocacy organizations to find out if they've ever been involved in an action against a particular heating company.
Never be afraid to ask any kind of tradesmen or contractor questions about what kind of work he is doing or what problems he sees with your heating or housing systems. A professional will be happy to answer your questions and can typically offer alternatives for fixing problems in more than one price range. If a company representative seems to resent your questions, be wary about doing business with his company.
Many heating specialists will come out to your home for free or at a low cost to review your situation and offer you an estimate. Unless your situation is dire, it is often in your best interest to speak to several heating specialists and get their estimates before making a decision. Consider the demeanor of the employees who come to your home and whether you feel comfortable working with them. Be cautious if one estimate is significantly lower or higher than the others. This may be an indication of either a less experienced contractor or someone who is willing to overcharge customers.
