Even if your home has a premium HVAC unit, these systems commonly require maintenance and repair work if you want to make sure that your system lasts a long time. Whether you need to have your current HVAC system repaired or a new one installed, you can hire a licensed HVAC contractor to provide you with these services. While it’s possible to hire an unlicensed contractor, there are many reasons you should avoid this option. Hiring a licensed contractor like Bel-Aire Heating & Cooling should give you confidence that your home will remain safe and comfortable.
If you’re looking to buy a new HVAC system and need to have it installed or simply want to have your current unit repaired, think about hiring a licensed contractor to provide these services for you. Here are some reasons why.
Services Are More Cost-Effective in the Long Run
Hiring a licensed HVAC contractor is more cost-effective in the long run when compared to the costs of hiring an unlicensed contractor. While the upfront costs for an unlicensed contractor may be lower, the quality of work might be lower too. Despite the higher upfront costs, the work that a licensed contractor provides should last for much longer before additional repairs are needed, if any.
It’s also possible for unlicensed contractors to use poorly sourced and incorrect parts, so the work they do may fall apart in next to no time. HVAC systems cost a considerable amount of money. If you want to protect your investment, hiring a licensed contractor is the way to go.
Licensed HVAC Contractors Are Insured
In order for an HVAC contractor to receive their license, they must first show proof of insurance. Knowing that the licensed contractor you hire has insurance should give you peace of mind. When a contractor has a general liability insurance policy, the policy will provide coverage if your property is damaged because of the work the contractor does.
If this policy wasn’t in place, you would need to file a claim with the provider for your homeowners’ insurance policy. Uninsured contractors may even be difficult to work with if something should go wrong. With these benefits in mind, it’s highly recommended that you hire a licensed contractor to avoid paying more money or potentially having your home damaged.
Licensed Contractors Are Required to Uphold Specific Standards
Once a person or business gets an HVAC contractor license, they must meet certain standards if they want to maintain this license. The licensing body that issues HVAC contractor licenses has professional standards regarding everything from the quality of work that is provided to how the contractor conducts themselves while on the job.
Because these standards are in place, you can trust that the contractor you hire will have at least some professional standards. Before going forward with a hire, make sure that the contractor’s license is up-to-date and hasn’t expired. You can get this information by asking the contractor who has issued the license and how to contact them. This extra step is worth it to ensure that you have hired a trustworthy contractor.
Level of Difficulty Is Not for Amateurs
Repairing or maintaining an HVAC unit isn’t easy work. Even if you believe you have the tools necessary to repair your HVAC unit, there’s a good chance that the problem would worsen, which would cause you to pay for additional repair work. While your HVAC system may not be functioning properly because of dirty filters, it’s also possible that mechanical wear and tear or damaged evaporator coils have led to these problems, both of which typically require full component replacements.
The licensed contractor you hire will have years of experience dealing with many HVAC issues and will be able to diagnose what the problem is before even working on repairs. Some of the more serious problems in HVAC units call for special equipment and tools that can’t be easily purchased at a home improvement store. HVAC contractors have these tools on hand.
Licensed Contractors Remain Aware of Recent Building Codes, Rules, and Regulations
Another reason you should hire a licensed HVAC contractor is because these professionals are aware of the most recent building codes, rules, and regulations. If you want to replace your existing HVAC unit or are currently building a home and need to have a unit installed, it’s likely that a building permit will need to be obtained before work can begin. Licensed HVAC professionals have the knowledge and expertise necessary to identify the right building permit and seek approval before work begins.
A licensed professional will also make sure that all work complies with the local building codes, which is essential if you ever want to sell your home without issue. When non-permitted work is performed on a home, it can prove difficult to sell the property in the future. Most times, banks and other financial institutions are wary of providing a mortgage for a home that may not meet local safety guidelines.
Hiring an Unlicensed HVAC Contractor Can Cause Problems
Hiring an unlicensed HVAC contractor causes significant issues. For one, it’s much more likely that the work performed by an unlicensed contractor will fail sooner rather than later, which only serves to waste your money. If an unlicensed contractor damages your home, repairs for this damage wouldn’t be covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy. Unlicensed work is illegal, which is why your insurance policy won’t provide coverage.
Since there’s no licensing body to keep an unlicensed contractor in check, it’s always a possibility that the contractor you hire won’t provide you with the services you requested once they are paid. When you hire a licensed contractor, you don’t need to worry about any of these issues. Licensed contractors also vet all of their employees via background checks, which should give you confidence to invite these professionals onto your property.
Services a Licensed HVAC Contractor Can Provide
While licensed HVAC contractors regularly provide repairs for any HVAC issue that might occur, their services also extend to replacement, installation, and maintenance work. If you request regular maintenance, you’ll be able to keep your HVAC unit in good condition without having to contend with costly repairs regularly.
Even the most affordable HVAC system still costs a large sum of money. If you want to protect your investment, hiring a licensed HVAC contractor will allow you to get repair or installation work that you can count on.
Here at Bel-Aire Heating & Cooling, our goal is to provide premium heating and cooling services and are proud to serve everyone in Portage, Grand Rapids, Three Rivers, and the surrounding areas. Our heating and cooling services extend to air filter replacements, furnace installs or repairs, and air conditioner installs and repairs. We can also provide you with scheduled HVAC maintenance at regular intervals throughout the year. We even offer financing on certain options as well. Contact Bel-Aire Heating & Cooling to schedule one of our services today!
