Choosing an HVAC Contractor


While choosing the right HVAC System and the necessary components is essential in ensuring a comfortable home environment, it is equally important to choose a qualified contractor to install the system. The installing contractor is actually the designer of your HVAC System. It is the skill, experience, and care with which this contractor selects quality components and assembles them into an engineered system to fit your home that makes the difference between good and poor comfort results. In selecting an HVAC contractor the homeowner should:
  • Select the installing contractor carefully - Check contractor's reputation. Ask for references - names of customers whom contractor has served and contact them about the contractor's performance - both the effectiveness of the system and the quality of service that was provided.
  • Recognize that quality may require significant investment - A quality HVAC System that meets the needs of the homeowner may not be available at discounted prices. However, the installing contractor may offer various HVAC solutions at various prices.
The following checklist has been provided to assist you in finding the ideal HVAC System contractor:
  • Maintains a Trained Workforce - All their technicians should have some sort of apprenticeship training, which includes classroom and supervised on-the-job training. They should also receive continuing education, including regular safety and manufacturer training. Their Technicians should be EPA certified and work within the guidelines of local and national codes.
  • Emergency Technical Service - Your HVAC contractor should have 24-hour technical support, to help solve your heating and air conditioning emergencies over the phone or if necessary, schedule you for a service call.
  • Address Comfort Issues - The contractor should take the time and effort to evaluate your entire system. They should address all comfort issues and solutions during the initial inspection and readdress them again in the written proposal.
  • Maintenance Program - Your contractor will offer a regular maintenance program for the life of the system, including but not limited to annual/semi-annual maintenance service agreements, extended warranties and technical tips.

Choosing a system

Choosing a quality home heating and cooling system is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. A quality system will lead to complete indoor comfort year round, as well as contribute to family health and energy efficiency.

However, because the heating and cooling system is unseen, this important decision is often overlooked. Stan's HVAC Services is dedicated to helping the customer to determine the type and style of air-conditioning and heating systems available to provided the comfort and quality they were expecting.

Ideals to help improve upon your HVAC System

1. Zone Controls - Maintain each room or target area at a desired temperature.
  • In air-conditioning and forced air heating, damper systems are installed throughout the ductwork to regulate airflow to specific areas. Controlling thermostats or sensors are strategically located throughout the structure.
  • In a boiler system zone valves operate in much the same way, only the valves open and close to allow for the transmission of the heated fluid through the piping system on a call from heat.
2. Humidification and Dehumidification - Help control the relative humidity of the structure.
  • Lesson static electricity, reduces occurrences of sore throats, dry skin and nose bleeds. It also helps preserve woods, furniture and antiques.
  • Heated air holds more water vapor. Human comfort requires a relative humidity of approximately 50%. In addition bacteria can not survive at this relative humidity setting. When adjusted correctly the temperature can be set lower because the body feels warmer.
  • Helps control damp humid (basement or crawlspace) areas where you may have wet or sweaty walls. Potential hot spots for mold or mildow growth.
3. Indoor Air Quality - The 1970's energy crises created better construction practices with homes designed around increased insulation and energy efficiency. These improved building standards allow for less air leakage, which locks in toxic airborne compounds for a longer period of time. The majority of concerns stem from poor ventilation, poor filtration or contaminated systems. Symptoms and some solutions are as follow:
  • Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a reaction to chemical, physical or biological stimuli.
  • Building Related Illness (BRI) is defined as exposure to an airborne agent leading to a diagnosable illness.
  • Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is defined as a person who has an abnormal sensitivity to chemicals in the environment.
  • Electronic Air Cleaners work on the premise that particles passing through a highly ionized field become static electrically charged. These charged particles are then attracted to opposite electrically charge collector plates to be discarded later.
  • Ultra-Violet Light neutralizes airborne toxic agents (germs and viruses) through sterilization or destroying (zapping) the compounds at their core. Continued exposure degrades any organic material through vaporization. They are highly recommended for individuals suffering from chronic allergy symptoms. Select models can even help to eliminate odors.
4. Efficiency - The HVAC System should provide maximum energy efficiency. Some of the options for providing an energy-efficient system are:
  • Energy Efficient Equipment
  • Variable-Speed System
  • Two-Speed System
  • Programmable Thermostat
  • Multi-Stage System
  • Hybrid Systems
5. Noise Control - A quiet functioning system is the result of a properly designed and installed HVAC System using good quality components. To ensure optimum noise control, the system may include:
  • Vibration Isolation
  • Insulated Compartments
  • Acoustic Lining
  • Proper Location of Equipment
  • Variable Speed Equipment
6. User-Friendly - A user-friendly HVAC System will include:
  • Easy-to-Operate Thermostats and Controls
  • Clear Maintenance Instructions