An HVAC contractor works on heating and cooling systems in homes. Their job duties include installation, replacement and repair. They must also carry a license and insurance coverage.
Licensing requirements vary by state. Some require passing a trade knowledge exam and business knowledge test. Others may require a minimum number of years of experience working in the field. Refer to furnace repair Coquitlam for more information.
Professionalism
The HVAC system in a home is complex and uses many different parts, making it an essential component to keeping a house comfortable. Licensed professionals are trained to understand and work with these systems. They also understand the laws and regulations surrounding installation, maintenance and repair. If something goes wrong during service, they have insurance to cover the costs and protect them and their clients from liability.
Often, HVAC contractors are the people called when there’s an issue with heating or cooling. HVAC professionals also perform routine maintenance and inspections of ventilation systems. These services include inspecting for leakage, testing thermostats, repairing or replacing parts, and cleaning the systems and ductwork. In addition, they can assess the size of a home or building to determine how much equipment is needed for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
Licensing
Many states require HVAC professionals to hold licenses to work in the field. These may include a trade knowledge exam, an installation and repair exam, or both. Some states may also mandate specific work experience or completion of a registered apprenticeship.
Most prospective HVAC professionals start with a high school diploma and complete an apprenticeship program or a vocational school. Some programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and pay apprentices a salary while they train.
Some states, such as New York, do not license HVAC professionals at the state level, instead leaving individual city or county governments responsible for licensing requirements. These vary widely, and you should check with the local authorities where you intend to work. Other state requirements include holding general liability insurance, which covers any damages incurred by customers, and obtaining workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees who are injured on the job. Licensed HVAC professionals can handle refrigerants, which are toxic and flammable, so they must pass a background check before being allowed to work on any system containing these chemicals.
Insurance
There are many risks that a HVAC business faces, including equipment damage and injuries to employees. Insurance helps to cover these costs and protect the financial stability of your business. It also helps to comply with state law. A licensed agent can help you evaluate your risks and coverage requirements and find the right policies for your business.
Business property insurance covers the value of your tools, equipment, and documents in the event they are lost or damaged. General liability is another important coverage option, which can help pay for damages to third-party property or bodily injury resulting from operational accidents or completed work. Additional policies include professional liability and employment practices liability insurance (EPLI). EPLI offers protection against lawsuits from customers, vendors, contractors and other workers. It may also pay for legal fees, settlements or judgments awarded against you. It is commonly included in a contractor’s general liability policy. Other coverage options include commercial auto insurance and inland marine coverage.
Experience
An HVAC system moves hot or cool air throughout a building through vents and ductwork, heating units such as boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps, and cooling systems such as air conditioners. A good HVAC contractor has experience servicing a variety of these systems and is familiar with how each system operates.
The installation of new HVAC equipment requires a careful inspection to determine the correct size unit for a building, as well as installing or replacing ductwork, pipes, tubing, wiring and electrical supply lines. An experienced HVAC professional can also perform an energy audit for a home or business to identify areas of waste and suggest efficiency upgrades.
Routine maintenance for heating and cooling systems involves checking the system’s refrigerant levels, assessing fan performance, cleaning components and changing filters. This helps a building run more efficiently and can prevent costly repairs down the road. Many HVAC contractors offer maintenance services for both residential and commercial properties.