How To Hire a Qualified Furnace Technician

Have a problem with your furnace? Any technician will do.

There’s a part of you that knows that statement isn’t true.

Yet many homeowners do it all the time. They find a flyer attached to their door, and call someone that promises full service at unbelievably low prices.

There’s a reason they are priced so low.

Your heating and cooling system is one of the most complex systems in your home. It’s also one of the most dangerous. It takes a well-trained technician to understand how to work with:

• Electricity
• Natural gas
• Oil
• Toxic materials

If you don’t handle them correctly, the results can be deadly.

Can anyone work on HVAC equipment?

You can hire handyman services to come in and work on your home. Are they good enough to fix your HVAC unit too?

In most cases, no.

HVAC technicians are required to go through training and apply for certification in order to work on HVAC equipment in residential or commercial applications. Here in Colorado, for example, an HVAC technician must have electrician and plumbing licenses. For a journeyman license, 8000 hours or four years of electrical construction wiring experience, and have a minimum of an active apprentice license, and pass an examination.

These skills are critical, and something you don’t want to bypass when hiring a technician. Not only is your comfort important, but your safety too. A qualified furnace technician will understand proper operation of home ventilation and exhaust systems, which aids in preventing carbon dioxide poisoning.

Check licenses

While it is required to have a license here in Colorado, it’s still advisable that you take the time to ensure who you hire has them in place.

You can tell a reputable HVAC company by the amount of work they put into their business practices. Do they have a website? Are they a part of the community?

As you are making your final selection, be sure to ask about certification. It’s okay to ask to see their license, and to ensure who is working on your system is properly trained and qualified.

It’s your home – and your life – on the line.

Be sure they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured.

Ask for references, especially if you’re installing new equipment.

Go with your gut – if you question the ethics or reputation of a company, continue searching for the right HVAC company for you.

What questions can we answer for you?