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9 Things to Look For When Hiring an HVAC Contractor in the Thompson Okanagan

Published on: August 02, 2018

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With snowy winters and the hottest summers in British Columbia, it’s safe to say that all buildings in the Thompson Okanagan — commercial, industrial, institutional and residential — rely heavily on their heating and cooling systems.

With snowy winters and the hottest summers in British Columbia, it’s safe to say that all buildings in the Thompson Okanagan — commercial, industrial, institutional and residential — rely heavily on their heating and cooling systems.

It’s always important to choose carefully when hiring a contractor or mechanical company to complete a project on your property, and this is especially true when an improper install, system breakdown or lack of ongoing support could mean lost business or serious discomfort.

Here are a few things to look for when hiring a company to install or repair your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system.

Qualifications

Make sure you will be working with HVAC technicians who are qualified and certified. Check the company’s website or call and ask them about their certifications to make sure they’re serious about the skills of their employees and quality of their work.

Experience and past work

How long has the company been doing this type of work? Take a look at the company’s past projects and ask about their experience working on systems similar to yours. This is especially important if you need assistance with a large-scale project with specific requirements.

Availability

It’s very important to find out about the company’s availability in the event that you need assistance outside of regular hours. Find a company with 24/7 emergency availability in case of a late-night or weekend breakdown. Some contractors will even work around your company’s operating hours in order to complete system upgrades without disrupting your business.

Licensing, safety & insurance

HVAC workers face hazards on the job every day. These hazards are avoidable, however, with proper safety training. It’s extremely important to work with a contractor who takes safety seriously, so find a company that makes safety training a priority and keeps their licensing up-to-date to protect both the technicians and yourself.

Partners and equipment

Not every HVAC contractor carries the same brands and equipment. Double check which partners the company works with to ensure their products are of a high quality and that they carry what you need.

Building evaluations

No two buildings are alike, and depending on the layout and your goals, your HVAC project may require a customized plan. A good contractor will take the time to fully understand your building and your goals so they can plan accordingly, and this often includes an in-person evaluation of the space.

Additional service offerings

Depending on the scope of your project, you may want to search for a contractor that is able to offer more than just HVAC services. Some companies, like Kimco, even employ technicians that are dual-trade certified in both HVAC and automation or electrical specialties in order to save clients time and money.

Service contracts

Regular maintenance is key when it comes to a long-lasting and efficient HVAC system. Some companies will offer service contracts to help keep systems running smoothly and prevent costly future repairs. Find a company that will personalize a maintenance program to suit your specific needs, and offer discounts for signing up.

Rebates and special offers

There are tons of rebates available for HVAC system upgrades, the tough part is knowing where to find them. A good contractor will know which rebates you’re eligible for and help you access funding if applicable.

Bonus: go local

If you’ve got it down to a couple of options but still aren’t able to decide, choose a local HVAC company if you can. Not only is it nice to know that you are supporting your neighbours, but local companies often rely on referrals and word of mouth, and so they are eager to go above and beyond for clients.

At Kimco, we take your trust seriously and would be happy to answer your questions about any of the above criteria. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your HVAC, automation or electrical project in the Thompson Okanagan area.


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