When you own an older home, finding a contractor to install a new HVAC system can be a difficult process. Aside from vetting potential candidates, older homes have unique challenges like outdated ducts and vents that need to be addressed.
The good news is that with a little advice, and by asking the right questions, the process of finding the right contractor becomes more straightforward. Join the industry experts at Unico as we break down some helpful tips you can use today.
Start Your HVAC Contractor Search by Starting a List
The first step to finding the right contractor for your older home is creating a list of potential candidates for the HVAC job. An easy place to start is by asking your family, friends, and neighbors if they know of any HVAC contractors they trust. Put any suggestions you receive on the list and be sure to get the details of the project if they had any work done on their older home.
To add some more options to your contractor list, HVAC system manufacturers can help you out. For example, Unico has a “Find a Contractor” tool on the website. By putting in your ZIP code, you’ll be able to find local HVAC contractors in your area that have experience installing the Unico System in older homes. These Unico Preferred Contractors (UPC’s) can thread the small ducts through the walls and ceilings to make your older home comfortable without intensive remodeling.
Make Sure the Contractor Aligns with Your Chosen HVAC System
No matter what type of HVAC system you’re looking to install in your older home, the right contractor should have experience with it. This helps ensure that the system isn’t just installed properly, but that you’re also paying for the right amount of work. If a contractor is installing a particular HVAC system for the first time, you could end up risking:
- - Paying for extra work hours that are used to figure out installation best practices.
- - Any damage that a contractor causes to your older home’s structure.
- - Long-term energy costs from the HVAC system not being installed properly.
- - Paying for another installation to fix issues from the first attempt.
When you start contacting HVAC contractors, be sure to ask them if they have experience with the system you want. If they say yes, ask for references. That way, you can call them and hear about what another homeowner’s experience was. You’ll get insight into how they’d rate the contractors’ work, details about how efficiently the HVAC system is running, and more.
Questions to Ask HVAC Contractors Before Hiring Them
Once you’ve narrowed down the list of potential HVAC contractors, asking some specific questions will help you find the best pro for the job. We recommend questions like:
- Can you talk about your experience working on older homes? - This question is not only a great icebreaker, but it will help you identify if the contractor understands the nuances of an older home like outdated ducts, air leakage, etc.
- Do you handle any permits that are needed for the job? - Most local governments will require permits for the work to be done. A good HVAC contractor will know what the permit landscape is and help you sort it out without any hassle.
- What work is covered in the project quote? - When you’re getting an HVAC system installed in an older home, it’s important to have all the bases covered. By having the contractor go through the project quote, you’ll get insight into exactly what their plan is.
Find the Right HVAC Contractor with Unico
If you’re looking to install an HVAC system into your older home, make Unico your first choice. With the Unico System, there’s little to no remodeling required. There’s less dust, less mess, and less installation time to make your home more comfortable. Plus, Unico has preferred contractors across the country ready to help.
Take the hassle out of finding the right contractor and explore Unico Preferred Contractors in your area today!
