Finding an HVAC Company that Can Properly Solve Your Issue:• Important questions to ask potential HVAC

businesses before hiring for a job:- Is there an estimate or service fee? Be aware

if there is a call for service, there might be a service charge included in the total fee.

- Ask questions regarding your current system, how does it work? What is best for my home or business?

- Are the technicians working on commission? Commissioned staff may recommend more costly service or repairs than what are actually needed.

• Be clear about the problems you are experiencing. The more details you can give the business, the more likely they will be able to provide you with a solution to your problem.

- It’s also a good idea to be familiar with your HVAC system. Know the make, model, year, and last service dates.

• When getting an estimate, a different representative may come for the estimate as opposed to installation or service technicians.

- Ask if the person coming to your home is an estimator or a technician. In many cases, estimators are technicians with years of experience under their belts.

• Expect a detailed proposal for exactly what the business is planning for your home and with your system.

- Try to get multiple opinions or bids for the job.- Take caution when comparing multiple bids, as

different size furnaces may be offered or other services are included. A business may give an estimate just for the basic fix of the problem or a

detailed replacement of the heating and cooling system. Finding a reputable business to do the work in your home is as important as finding the best price. Working with a reputable business will increase your chances of satisfaction with the work performed.

• Some HVAC businesses charge a diagnostic fee. Some may use a flat rate as opposed to time and material charges. Businesses should be able to explain all charges, but it’s the consumer’s responsibility to ask about and understand all charges.

• Before signing the contract, ask if the business is licensed, bonded and insured. In Minnesota, license and bonding information can be found at the Minnesota Department of Labor Industry’s website, www.dli.mn.gov. In North Dakota, you can go to the North Dakota Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.nd.gov. Ask the business for their bond and insurance information. A business does not need licensing to do

some aspects of HVAC work; however, they may need licensing for portions of the job such as electrical work, or they may also subcontract such work out to another business. You should know who the subcontractor is and how they will be paid.

In an Emergency with your System:Technicians are responsible to shut down furnaces if they feel the homeowner’s safety is at risk. Businesses can be liable if they find an unsafe furnace operating in a home and choose to do nothing about it. The tech typically explains what the issue is. Techs should

Tips for Choosing a Furnace and

Air Conditioner Service Provider

Tips to Consumers for the HVAC Industry The proper heating and cooling of a home or business is critical to success, enjoyment and well-being – and also a major investment in any property. Finding the right HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) business can be a challenging process. Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB), with help from representatives of the HVAC industry, have created tips to help ease the process of finding reliable companies when you need maintenance, repairs or are shopping for a new furnace or air conditioner

discuss with the client how the problem should be handled. The business may suggest repairing or replacing the unit.

- Do not be pushed into a decision if you are not comfortable with anything a company has discussed. Use space heaters or a fireplace if you have to wait for a second opinion. Despite popular belief, using heaters will likely prevent pipes from freezing overnight while getting a second opinion. It is important to remain as calm as possible when researching your options.

When Purchasing System or Service:Do not be rushed into any decision regarding your heating and cooling system. Rushing into an important purchase can lead to money not well spent and in the end cost you still more. Be surethe decision you are making is the right one for your home. There should not be any pressure to make a decision right away, so take time and talk to multiple sources you trust. In the event the heating and cooling system needs to be completely replaced, get a second or third opinion for your system. Gather as much information on different equipment and companies as you can. Taking time to do research before replacing the system may save headaches later.

Should Your System be Under Warranty?Your new system will come with a warranty. An extended warranty may be available for purchase. Different warranties cover various aspects of the system from the manufacturer,

and responsibilities of the dealer who services them. Consumers should know who is offering the warranty and what the warranty covers. Many warranties require annual maintenance to keep warranty in effect, so be aware if your warranty has this requirement. Typically warranties are transferable from homeowner to homeowner. Warranties should be clearly defined and in writing. These warranties should also have clear expiration dates on them as well. As a consumer, you have the right to know what exactly comes with the warranty. Be sure to have the system registered as soon as possible. Sometimes the company will offer to do this for the consumer, so check to make sure this is completed.

What Else Should Consumers Know?• The consumer has the right to cancel a contract

signed at their home within three business days. • If you are unsatisfied with the work done, you

should be comfortable talking about issues with the business. There should always be an open dialogue between you and the business before, during and after the work is complete in case of any sort of issues arise after the work is done.

• If after the work is completed, damages are discovered, contact the business ASAP. A reputable HVAC business will work to resolve damages caused by their technicians.

• Remember, a HVAC unit is a system; sometimes multiple issues may exist. Though the technician may have fixed the first issue, subsequent problems may arise and be more complex than previously thought.

• Understand furnaces have an average lifespan of 15-20 years. If your system approaches and passes this lifespan, know they do not last forever and you may be in need of a replacement.

• In some cases, your new furnace and/or air conditioning unit may have a tax credit or a rebate available. The requirements can vary from year to year, so be sure to check with your tech and tax preparer for complete information.

• Purchasing a furnace or air conditioning unit is a different process and is unlike buying an appliance. Several factors, such as home and family size or climate, may have an impact on the type of furnace or air conditioner recommended and what you ultimately choose.

Be sure to consult Better Business Bureau and research any businesss before you buy at 1-800-646-6222 or:

bbb.org

Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota220 S. River Ridge Circle, Burnsville, MN 55337

651-699-1111 • ask@thefirstbbb.org • bbb.org

These self-regulatory standards were created by Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota, with input from businesses in the HVAC Industry, to create an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other.