How to Vet an HVAC Contractor: A 7-Point Checklist
License lookups, NATE certification, insurance verification, and the questions that separate pros from parts-swappers.
HVAC is one of the most consequential — and most marked-up — purchases a homeowner makes. Vetting carefully prevents both bad installs and overpaying. A 30-minute investment in verification protects a five-figure decision.
The 7-point checklist
1. State HVAC contractor license, verified online. 2. NATE certification on the techs who will do your install (not just the company). 3. Current general liability insurance ($1M+) AND workers comp. 4. Manufacturer authorized dealer status if you want full warranty coverage. 5. BBB record with the exact legal name. 6. At least 3 customer references from jobs 3+ years old. 7. A written Manual J load calculation in your quote.
Any contractor that resists providing all seven is signaling something. The good ones expect to be vetted.
Questions that separate pros from parts-swappers
'What size unit do I need and why?' Should reference Manual J, not 'whatever you have now.' 'What's the static pressure on my existing ducts?' Should know how to measure and explain. 'What's the AHRI match number for the system you're quoting?' Should know it cold — the AHRI match is required for any warranty claim.