Chapter 20

Questions to Ask Your HVAC Contractor

Good questions lead to clearer decisions. You do not need to know every technical term; you need to understand what is being recommended and why.

For a service call:
• What did you find, and what measurements support the diagnosis?
• Is the system safe to operate?
• What repair is necessary now, and what can be monitored?
• Can you show me the affected component?
• What is included in the price and warranty?

For a replacement:
• How did you calculate the home's heating and cooling load?
• Is the existing duct system suitable for the new equipment?
• What are the exact indoor and outdoor model numbers?
• What efficiency ratings apply to this matched system?
• Are permits, inspections, electrical changes, drain work, and duct modifications included?
• Who will start up and commission the system?
• What are the manufacturer parts and contractor labor warranties?

For maintenance:
• What tasks did you perform?
• Were any measurements outside the manufacturer's specifications?
• Are there developing issues I should plan for?
• What filter type and replacement interval does this system require?

Ask for answers in writing when they affect price, scope, or safety. A good contractor should welcome informed questions and explain the work without making you feel foolish. The goal is not to become an HVAC technician. It is to understand your home, recognize warning signs, and make confident decisions with qualified help.