Consumer Tips
on Choosing a Heating and Air Conditioning
CONTRACTOR
Finding Reputable Contractors
There are many ways to find a contractor to provide for your home comfort needs, but not all
of them are equally effective. Personal referrals from trusted friends, family and/or colleagues
are a good start, but you should also consider going directly to the industry’s professional
association for assistance.
Contractor companies that hold membership in the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Institute of Canada (HRAI) have been pre-screened to ensure that they possess the relevant
trade licences, technical certifications and insurance coverage that you should expect from
any contractor with which you would entrust the care of your home comfort system. Look for
the HRAI Member Company logo when choosing a contractor. You can verify that they are a
member by searching the HRAI online Contractor Locator at www.hrai.ca.
Getting Estimates
Arrange for the contractor to come and inspect the job site. Some small jobs may be priced
out and an estimate written immediately, but larger jobs may require additional time to
price properly. A contractor should also complete a heat loss and heat gain calculation
to determine the size of equipment that your home needs.
When comparing estimates, the statements about the work to be performed and the materials
used should be of comparable quality, or the estimates should make proper allowances for
any differences. Be sure that the estimate is in writing and includes the proper permits
and licences. The warranty policy should be clearly stated for equipment, materials
and labour. If the contractor uses sub-contractors for some of the actual work,
these should be specified both in the proposal and in the contract.
The Contract
The contract is the agreement between you and the contractor that specifies what
work will be performed and gives a firm dollar value on that work. It is a legal, binding
document when signed by both parties, so be sure you understand and agree with
the contents before signing. Any changes or additions in the work to be done
should never be made without those alterations being written into the contract
and initialed by both parties.
In addition to the name, address and telephone number of the consumer and the
contractor, the contract should clearly state the following items:
• required permits that must be purchased by the contractor;
• responsibility for removal of old equipment and materials;
• warranties and guarantees on materials and labour;
• approximate start and completion dates unless specific dates and times are agreed upon; and
• price and terms of payment.
Insurance
It is important that the contractor and any sub-contractors each have public liability
and property damage insurance, and be able to produce a certificate of good standing from
the Workers’ Compensation Board. You may wish to ask who the policy is with and follow
up to verify that it is current.
Payment
Payment methods will vary to meet your preferences or needs, and may include financing,
credit, cash or an equipment rental program. In any case, the payment schedule should be
easy to understand and should clearly state what, if any, interest charges apply.
Make sure to inquire about any applicable energy-efficiency rebates.
References
Reputable contractors will be more than willing to give you the names and
addresses of customers they’ve done work for in your area. You may also
wish to contact the Better Business Bureau, which maintains records of
consumer complaints.
Choose contractors
with proven credentials,
and a track record of reliability
and quality.
