What is the most important decision you will have to make regarding a new furnace or air conditioner? Price? Equipment brand? Installation date? No – these are important, but the single most important decision is “who will you select to install the system & provide on-going service and warranty support for years to come.” Below are things you should do when choosing an installation contractor:

• Obtain a written proposal. Eliminate companies that write their “special price” on the back of a business card. If a company takes shortcuts with your proposal, they will take shortcuts on the installation too. The proposal should include a detailed description of work to be done, warranties, prices, etc. Make sure the proposal shows the company’s license number and includes a clause that says “contractor will obtain all required permits & inspections” and “lead installer will be licensed.” Insist on sales brochures. Request prices on many different options – 80% & 90% furnace, 2-stage furnace, variable speed blower, 12 & 14 Seer air conditioner, programmable thermostat, humidifier, electronic air cleaner, hi-efficiency air filter, duct cleaning, attic insulation, etc.

• Demand a full heating & cooling load calculation on your home. If a salesman asks you the square footage of your home to determine equipment size – send them away. There are many more factors that are important (insulation, direction windows face, quality of construction, etc). Be sure they check your ductwork and registers/grills. Consumer Reports says: “To be sure of correct sizing [of equipment], choose a contractor who agrees to take the time to calculate heating [& cooling] needs using an industry-standard calculation, such as found in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s Manual J”.

• Determine how long the company has been in business with it’s current ownership. Many local companies have the same name they had years ago, but have had several changes of ownership. Be sure the company has been in business (with it’s current owners) for at least 10 years – the more years, the better.

• Learn about the equipment being offered. There are several excellent brands, and several “cheap” brands. Most good brands also offer a “builder’s model” (low cost, low quality) – avoid these. Be sure you understand the warranties. Exclude any equipment that the contractor has been installing for less than 5 years (they may be “trying” a new brand).

• Visit the contractor’s office. See the equipment being proposed. Meet the office personnel and notice the overall atmosphere of the contractor’s business.