Bozeman is growing, and with that growth comes new construction. From residential to commercial construction and remodels, every successful project depends on specialist expertise to deliver great results. HVAC installation is part of every build. However, not all HVAC contractors are the same.
Are you looking to hire a Bozeman HVAC contractor for your remodel or construction project? Our Mountain Heating & Cooling team has put together a list of essential questions to consider to help you confidently hire skilled, reliable, and professional Bozeman HVAC contractors (and avoid bad contractors that lead to additional time, money, or headaches).
5 Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring an HVAC Contractor
Red flag #1: They’re a one-person show
While a one-person company may claim the benefits of being nimble, flexible, and adaptable, the truth is one person has limited bandwidth compared to a team of technicians. It’s harder for a single contractor to be available should any issues come up at the last minute. And even if they’re brilliant and experienced, every project benefits from a variety of talent, experience, and diverse skill sets. The quality of an install is driven by the utilization—and understanding—of new, emerging technologies, so it’s hard for a single person to stay on top of the evolving market.
Green flag: They’re a dedicated team with the benefits of greater bandwidth, a customer service contact, and multiple areas of expertise.
Red flag #2: They’re not licensed, insured, or certified.
A solid, reputable HVAC contractor shouldn’t hesitate to provide you with proof of insurance and licensure. When it comes to HVAC service and other home maintenance, a lack of insurance can escalate issues like property damage and injury into major liabilities. If your HVAC contractor isn’t insured and licensed, they’re not guaranteed to know and follow building codes, which exist to protect you, your family, and your home.
While certifications aren’t necessary, they show continued education to gain broad and specific subject-matter expertise.
Green flag: A good HVAC contractor will be proud to highlight their certifications, and they’ll definitely provide proof of licensure and individual and business insurance coverage.
Red flag #3: They have bad reviews or no references.
Bozeman may be growing, but it’s still an interconnected community. Personal relationships are key. References establish personal and professional reliability and give you a picture of past work successes or hiccups.
Ideally, you’ll be working with a company with at least some online presence, such as a Google Business Profile, Facebook business page, or even Yelp or Houzz profile. Check out their online reviews. Note that all businesses, even the best ones, will receive a negative review once in a while. But too many low opinions add up to signal lingering issues.
Pay attention, in particular, to whether the same complaints come up in multiple reviews. Did the company respond to their negative reviews? What did they say? Don’t be shy to bring up negative reviews with the company directly. There are always two sides to the story, and a company with transparency about past mistakes or issues could be even more trustworthy and valuable to your project than one with a seemingly squeaky-clean online reputation.
Green flag: They offer easy-to-contact professional references, and you can find positive reviews of their company online.
Red flag #4: They have poor communication.
In our hyper-digital world, tradespeople may be some of the few who aren’t connected to the web 24/7. For example, when you’re elbow-deep in a complex furnace installation, you don’t want to be distracted by emails. If you choose your HVAC contractors well, they’ll have a dedicated team member who handles scheduling and communication, meaning someone will always be available to get a technician to your home. But if a company shows lengthy delays in their response times with no explanation or only offers vague explanations of quotes, pricing, or services, that may be your sign to look elsewhere.
Green flag: They communicate promptly, proactively, and professionally.
Red flag #5: They have an extremely low quoted bid.
Are you comparison shopping? Competitive bids are one thing, but outlier lowball cost estimates are a sure red flag. Remember: if it seems too good to be true, it usually is. A very low bid may only be possible through very low overhead—e.g., a company may not invest in quality equipment, dedicated staff power, or experienced HVAC technicians.
Green flag: Their bid is attractive but within the range of reasonable.
Contact Our Team for Reliable HVAC Contractors
The bottom line is that no matter the scope of your HVAC service needs, working with good Bozeman HVAC contractors pays dividends. At Mountain Heating & Cooling, we are proud to provide quality, trustworthy service at every step—from installation to communication. Please reach out to us to discuss your project needs!