The Right Contractor

You can’t see home comfort or touch it, but we all know what it feels like when we don’t have it. So, you’re considering replacing your old air conditioning system or furnace with a new comfort system or getting your current one repaired or serviced. Brody-Pennell can help. First, you need the right contractor. With all of the clutter and options, how do you make heads or tails out of choosing the right contractor?

Brody Pennell is the Los Angeles area’s premier home comfort specialist and with the help of the Attorney General and your local Better Business Bureau, we gathered satisfied-consumer tips for selecting the best contractor for your next HVAC project.

1. Check credentials: Before making your choice, call your local Better Business Bureau and affiliated state and community agencies for a company history of complaints and resolutions to make sure the dealer is reputable.
2. Ask for references: Current customers are an excellent source of information and are often willing to share their experience.
3. Check local licenses: Ask to see any applicable state and local licenses, bonding, and insurance coverage.
4. Get a detailed written proposal: Beware of a dealer that does not back-up their offer in a detailed written proposal. A detailed written proposal is one sign of a quality contractor.
5. Heat loss-heat gain calculation: Expect a thorough calculation performed with an on-site evaluation. A good contractor should measure your home, check insulation factors and evaluate your overall comfort needs.
6. Equipment/labor warranties and guarantees: Warranties and guarantees vary according to manufacturer and dealer, don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand that they are included in the written estimate.
7. Follow contract law: Demand that your contractor follows contract law. A new comfort system is a big decision and with big decisions comes responsibility. According to California law, all home improvement contracts include a 3-day right to cancel.
8. Ask your contractor about the maintenance requirements of your new system: What can you do yourself and/or does the contractor offer maintenance services. A maintenance agreement is one of the best ways to ensure your system’s performance, reliability and safety.
9. Know and understand the contract: Beware of ambiguous contracts and again, ask lots of questions. It is very important to understand all aspects of the agreement with your contractor before any work begins.
10. Get more than one estimate or reference: If you are uncomfortable making your decision for any reason, get two or three estimates or references and compare. More information is better than less; however, compare more than just price when evaluating estimates. Look for the best value!
11. How long has the company been in business? Proven experience is best. You want to invest with a company that will be around tomorrow should you need further assistance with your home’s new system; everything from warranty repairs to coming back for a tune-up to get your comfort just right.
12. Industry certified technicians: It is important to ask how many industry-certified technicians are employed. Do they have enough to serve you in an after-hours situation?
13. Employee licensing: Are the sales reps listed on the contractor’s license and approved for in home sales as required by state law?
14. Know your deposit amount: Is the contractor not complying by state law asking for a deposit for more than 10% of the proposal amount or more than $1,000.00 for proposal exceeding $10,000.00?
15. Trust Certified Employees: Does the company Trust Certify its employees with extensive background checks and drug testing?
16. Know your EPA guidelines: Does the company follow EPA guidelines for reclaiming refrigerants, and are they certified to do so?
17. Make sure they have an office: Have you seen a picture of the company’s place of business?