When it comes to choosing a heat pump installer, it’s important to know what your options are and what to expect. After all, if you’re hiring a professional to handle the job for you, chances are you’re not from the industry yourself.
You need to know you’re making the right choice. It’s , with a lot of moving parts. And, seeing as knowledge is power, reliable, energy efficient installation is only possible if you ask the right questions.
Join us today, for our official eight question roundup of everything you need to ask your heat pump system provider before taking the plunge.
1. Is This The Right System For My Needs?
What is a heat pump, and do they all work in the exact same way? Before starting any home heating installation, you have to know that your system is actually serving a purpose. It’s no use just replacing something old with something new that doesn’t actually do anything for you.
Technology is constantly changing, and there’s always something to be gained from a new installation. Keep in mind, however, that local code requirements also change from year to year, and your heating pump needs to perform to certain standards.
Never accept a quote that is sight unseen, over the phone or Internet. Any company worth its salt will collect information on your needs before recommending a system.
Undersizing your heating pump could mean it working harder than it should, shortening its lifespan. Oversizing, meanwhile, can lead to a waste of resources, using more power than necessary. These systems may also fail due to improper usage over time.
These systems are meant to improve your standard of living, not cost you in repairs and energy consumption. For real value for money, make sure you’re hiring someone who knows your exact needs and ask them to explain their recommendation.
2. What Training and Experience Do They Have?
Depending on where you go, you’ll likely deal with a salesperson, first and foremost, with a salesperson. Many of these representatives bring little to no background in HVAC work. And, training in sales won’t cut it when it comes to making a sensible recommendation.
A lack of applicable industry knowledge may result in poor sizing or an incomplete installation. It’s also more common than you might expect, with nearly half of all heating systems being incorrectly installed.
Ask for proof of some kind of qualification or industry experience. Even a question as basic as “How does a heat pump work?” may illuminate their expertise and give you a better measure of them.
3. Which Manufacturers Do They Use?
This step is fairly intuitive: You wouldn’t buy a life-saving device from a name you’d never heard of. You shouldn’t get a heat pump from someone unknown, either.
Heating pump installers may take kickbacks from certain brands, leading to devices that might not be the best option for you. Companies with one manufacturer will be limited in what they can offer, as well.
Look for someone with a choice of manufacturers and an in-depth understanding of their usefulness. You want the best heat pump your money can buy, so ask for names.
4. What Does Your Quote Include?
Service quotes may sound like gibberish to the uninitiated. What it comes down to, whatever industry you’re in, is offering some combination of things, each of which carries a certain cost. And, for a real idea of your heat pump cost, you’ll need to know what those elements are.
If we’re being honest, what’s not included in the quote is often as important as what you are getting. One issue many people run into is whether their fittings, valves and connectors are replaced during the installation. To lower costs, these are often kept. This redundancy can lead to premature failures, which can be costly.
Quotes should state, empirically, every process and replacement used to complete the installation. City permits, removal of components, and all new parts should be made plain in your quote.
Interested in installing a heater in The Emerald City? Check out this post about heat pumps for more on this service in the city of Seattle.
5. Which Guarantees Are Included?
Heating pumps, like any high-performance piece of tech, have a limited shelf life and will wear out over time. Homeowners are usually given a manufacturer’s warranty for security reasons. These warranties, unfortunately, often skip over your needs in some way or another.
Ask for something in writing, and make sure that the guarantee is stated plainly, and that you understand everything it covers. A satisfaction guarantee should guarantee your satisfaction. In the event that your heating pump doesn’t continue to perform properly, you need to know you can bring it back or get further work done.
6. Are They Licensed and Insured In Your City?
You might not expect it, but many companies actually operate without any license whatsoever. This may be common, but the potential risks to you, your home or office are huge, and should not be taken likely.
Don’t just ask if the company is licensed or insured – demand proof of its current license, and refuse to work with them if they cannot provide it. A reputable company needs to carry copies of its licenses, and they need to be up to date with the current standards in your city or state.
Be warned: They may tell you that the permits aren’t important, and not to worry about it. Don’t let them bully you, however. This is for your safety.
7. What Is The Post-Installation Plan?
After your system has been fully installed, you’ll need a proper maintenance plan to ensure its longevity. This kind of ongoing work is every bit as important as the initial installation and is often required in order to hang onto your warranty.
Don’t settle for a company that’s going to install your heating pump and then disappear. Maintenance is part of the package, and you should expect it.
8. Do They Have Any Decent References?
The most reliable way you have of finding out if an installation is going to work for you is to find out if it’s worked for everyone else. Before committing to an HVAC, heating or cooling company, ask for a full set of references.
And then use those references. Make a few calls and find out about the quality of service, the value for money, and any ongoing work they’ve done. This is an invaluable resource and will help you figure out if what they promise is what they deliver.
Your Heat Pump System: Ask The Right Questions
A heat pump system is a big investment, but a crucial one in many homes and offices. If you’re going to get a new system put in, make sure you’re asking all the right questions before you commit.
Interested in learning more about the HVAC industry? Maybe you’re looking to get ahead. Check out some of our awesome blog content today for ace insights into the operations that keep businesses like this succeeding.
