CRL Services, LLC

6 Tips for Hiring a Heating, Cooling, Plumbing Contractor

1. Study up — Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state. And before you call a contractor, know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Also make note of any uncomfortable rooms. This will help potential contractors better understand your heating needs.

2. Call references — Ask contractors for customer references and call them. Ask about the contractor’s installation or service performance, and if the job was completed on time and within budget.

3. Expect a site visit — The contractor should spend significant time inspecting your current system and home to assess your needs. A bigger system isn’t always better; a contractor should size the heating and cooling system based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows. A good contractor will inspect your duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and measure airflow to make sure it meets manufacturer’s specifications.

4. Get written, itemized estimates — When comparing contractors’ proposals (bids), be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. Even though you bvelieve you are comparing apples to apples, there are more than one kind of apple. A lowest price may not be the best deal if it’s not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher.

5. Get it in ink — Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It’ll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule, and warranty information.

6. Pass it on — Tell friends and family about CRL Services, LLC! Spread the word, and we can all make a big difference. At CRL Services, we are committed to providing you with peace of mind and to help you reduce your energy costs. We believe that we have the proper balance of time invested to keep your system operating within manufacturers specifications, while reducing repair costs by providing a thorough inspection of equipment and executing a proper preventative maintenance program.

LOW BID- It’s unwise to pay too much but it’s unwise to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the very thing you bought it to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot…… it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.

John Ruskin (1819-1900)