Residential HVAC Consumer Best Practices
The Michigan Air Conditioning Contractors Association (MIACCA) would like to share these best practices when selecting a professional HVAC contractor.
Legitimate Business: Make sure the business is active and in good standing with the State of Michigan by conducting a “Business Search”.
Properly Licensed: Obtain the contractor’s mechanical license and make sure the HVAC contractor is licensed in the proper category to do your job. Verify the license is valid and registered to the business on the Michigan LARA website. Please note that HVAC technicians are allowed to work under the mechanical contractor of record’s license.
Required Certifications: If your HVAC project is going to involve refrigerant, make sure the technicians are EPA certified to handle refrigerants according to EPA 608 standards
Insured: Make sure your HVAC contractor is insured to protect you and your property if something goes wrong. They should have general and professional liability insurance, along with workman’s compensation insurance
System Evaluation: A contractor should spend 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 manufacturers specifications.
Proposal Comparison: When comparing contractors' proposals (bids), be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. A lowest price may not be the best deal if it's not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher.
Written Contract: Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It'll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, who is doing the work, job schedule and warranty information.
Permits: Make sure your HVAC contractor has obtained the proper permits for the job from your local municipality. You may also ask your contractor for a copy of the permit when they receive it.
Inspection: All permitted HVAC work is inspected by your municipality’s inspector to verify it meets Michigan Code(s). This should happen soon after the installation is completed.
Warranty: Obtain the manufacturer’s warranty certificate for your equipment and review. Be sure to register your equipment with the manufacturer; which may be required for extended warranty coverage. Find out if the manufacturer of your equipment requires annual maintenance as a condition of its warranty.
Maintenance Plans: Ask your contractor what type of maintenance plans they offer. You should schedule an annual service call on your HVAC equipment to ensure it is running safely and efficiently.
SEER Rating Requirements: Make sure the equipment you are having installed meets the current SEER rating requirements. SEER ratings are found on the Energy Star sticker of your newly installed unit.
2025 Refrigerant Mandates: Homeowners should be aware of the shift to A2L refrigerants in new HVAC systems starting in 2025, as mandated by the EPA to reduce global warming potential.
Rebates: Newly installed energy efficiency HVAC equipment may qualify for rebates. You can check the Michigan Homes Rebate Program website page along with checking your utility companies to see what rebates they currently offer.
Emergency Services: Ask your contractor about their emergency services, should you need them.
Outdoor Underground Gas Piping: If you are having a unit installed in an outbuilding, such as a pole barn, make sure Miss Dig is utilized by your contractor. In Michigan you can call 811 at any time.
Business Standing: Hiring an HVAC contractor is a big decision. MIACCA encourages you to utilize Google reviews, the Better Business Bureau and the MIACCA website as resources to help you research and find professional contractors.
NATE Certified Technicians: NATE certification is the industry standard for technician excellence, indicating technicians have a core set of competencies and are qualified to service HVAC system