HVAC Contractor — What Do They Do?

Many people are not familiar with the term "HVAC" and what is stands for. It stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Sometimes you will see HVAC/R which means a dealer also does refrigeration. HVAC contractors handle more today than they used to. For example, even though ventilation is part of the name, there is much more to that now with modern indoor air quality concerns and solutions. Additionally, you might see your local HVAC contractor stepping into green energy products such as geothermal heat pumps and solar energy.

An HVAC contractor is supposed to be the "go to" guy or company to handle any indoor comfort need you may have. However, as you'll hear us preach relentlessly on this site, you need to do your own research on not only technology, but the company you're considering. Knowledge is key to not getting ripped off by heating and air conditioning dealers who step in to low ball jobs, and then work mass destruction on your home. Trust us - we hear the stories. On this side note, if you want to spend hundreds to thousands of extra dollars on your home indoor comfort system, choose the lowest bid.

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HVAC Contractor

Heating & Air Conditioning Installation

By far the most important task of an HVAC contractor is design and installation. This must be done right for you to experience the comfort, efficiency and air quality that is supposed to come from the equipment you are purchasing. If you sink your money into the best equipment on the market, but do not have sizing and installation done correctly, you could be burning your money quickly. Don't make that mistake!

Home Energy Audit

Utility companies nationwide or emphasizing the importance of a home energy audit. Why? Beacuse home with air leak problems are losing costly amounts of energy which not only hikes utility bills, but affects our overall environment. Many HVAC contractors are now using advanced tools such as thermography and blower door testing to analyze your home and identify where sealing and insulation is needed. Lear more at home energy audits.

Heating & Air Conditioning Maintenance

Your equipment requires attention to maintain manufacturer efficiency ratings, and to help your equipment operate without the need for premature repair work. Your HVAC contractor should offer scheduled maintenance plans. Many bundle other benefits such as discounted parts or priority service if the event of a problem. Most HVAC dealers can service any make and model of equipment, and they will usually note that on their site or in person.

HVAC Repair

If your existing system wasn't installed correctly, hasn't been maintained, or is just flat out old, the unfortunate day will come when something breaks. You want a company who has a good amount of experience, because that will save you some serious cash. Trust us...we've heard the stories. Inexperienced AC contractors will replace equipment that isn't even malfunctioning to try and fix a problem they don't understand. That costs you a lot of money.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality plays a key role in the overall health and comfort of your home. Modern homes are energy efficient containers that trap conditioned air inside, and along with that, many pollutants are trapped inside as well. Indoor air quality products integrate into your system to turn all of this around. You will have a healthier, more comfortable home:

Indoor air quality

Tankless Water Systems

Another area many dealers are moving into is plumbing. In fact, there should be an HVAC/P designation! Tankless water heaters are becoming more and more popular for homeowners who want the efficiency and on demand hot water that they offer. Say goodbye to a cold shower forever with these efficient, gas powered water heaters that supply as much hot water as you need, without the overhead of heating around the clock.

Tankless water heater

Green Energy Products

Many HVAC contractors are now offering green energy solutions such as a geothermal heat pump, solar energy installation such as the Lennox® SunSource® system, or other products like wind turbines that harness the wind to provide energy for your home. America is waking up to the urgent need to be more efficient at a national level, and these technologies are more accessible than ever. Make sure the dealer you choose has experience and a good track record.

Ductwork Installation & Sealing

Proper ducting in your home is crucial to maintaining manufacturer efficiency ratings as well as needed comfort during weather extremes. An HVAC contractor who has the proper industry experience and skills knows how to properly vent your home, and many often do their own metal fabrication which means they can design custom ducting for any need your unique architecture has. Duct sealing is also a popular service to increase the efficiency in older homes by up to 20-30%.