How to Choose an Air Conditioning and Heating Contractor

Summer is finally here and so is the heat! Do you have an air conditioner or heat pump to help keep your family cool? If so, is your air conditioner or heat pump in good condition? Does it require maintenance, or should you consider replacing it?

If you’re planning on purchasing a heat pump or air conditioning unit, which contractor will you hire? Did you know that it is essential to choose a contractor with the required certifications? This article will help you choose the right contractor to install your air conditioner or heat pump.

The Importance of Hiring a Qualified Contractor

Just because someone says they know about air conditioners doesn’t mean they’re qualified to install one.

Consider this; a poorly installed heating or air conditioning system can cause a fire. Improper installation can damage your unit and cause contamination problems. Are you willing to take that risk?

In addition, government grants are available for the purchase of specific models of heat pumps. A certified contractor must install the heat pump for it to be eligible.

If the unit is damaged due to an incorrect installation by an unlicensed contractor, there is a good chance that the manufacturer’s warranty will not be honoured.

What to Look for in a Contractor

There are some key things you should look for before choosing an HVAC contractor.

Licenses. Does the company have the required licenses to install your unit? Verify that your contractor holds these three licenses:

• License from the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Make sure there are no restrictions related to their license.
• License from the Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec (CMEQ).
• License from the Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ).

Be sure that each license is still valid by clicking the links above (available in French only).

Training and skills. Are the company’s technicians suitably trained and able to answer your questions?

Each technician performing work in your home must have an operating license for their trade.

Assessment of needs. A skilled contractor will not try to sell you an appliance without first assessing your home. By verifying, among other things, the surface area, the number of floors, the insulation, and the height of the ceilings, he is then able to offer you an HVAC system adapted to your house.

Questions to Ask a Contractor

Here are a few questions to ask the contractor you want to hire:

Which licenses do you hold?

How long have you been in business?

Which brands do you sell?

What are the warranties on the installation and system?

Are there any tax credits or grants available to me?

Which system is best for my home?

How long does the installation take?

Are there any preparations I need to do before the work begins?

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of installing a unit will depend on whether modifications need to be made to your home’s configuration, electrical, or plumbing. The complexity and cost of the installation will much depend on those factors.

A central heating or cooling system needs air ducts, while a wall-mounted unit has none. All these factors can impact the final cost.

If your existing HVAC unit needs repairs, the cost is influenced by the parts that need replacement and the complexity of the work.

Beware of Itinerant Vendors

If you meet a heating and ventilation system dealer at your door or a kiosk, ask for his permit from the Consumer Protection Office.

Any merchant can only offer products and services at his place of business unless he has a valid itinerant merchant permit from the Consumer Protection Office.

Such a permit does not guarantee the honesty of the vendor or the quality of his service. Be sure to do your research and ask the right questions, and require a written contract.

Make an Informed Decision

Don’t choose your heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor on a whim. Take the time to do your research, look at the contractor’s online reviews, check their licenses, and compare costs.

The cheapest contractor won’t necessarily give you the best customer service before and after the installation of your unit. A good contractor will ensure your unit is working correctly and will be available to assess your needs before its installation and for future maintenance and repair.

Find the Right Contractor for Your Project

Entreprises MST is a company based on the south shore of Montreal that specializes in air conditioning, ventilation, and heating. With over 40 years’ experience, we offer quality services and equipment. Each member of our technical team holds an operating license for their trade and is trained to install every brand we offer. Every installation is performed according to the manufacturer’s strict standards, giving you optimal performance and increasing the longevity of your unit.

MST holds every license required to install a heating or cooling unit, an RBQ, CMEQ, and CMMTQ license. MST also has a valid travelling salesman permit from the Consumer Protection Office.

Our showroom allows you to test the equipment and better understand how it works.

Our specialists will assess your home and evaluate your air conditioning or heating needs. We’ll offer you the energy-efficient system best suited to your home. Our representatives are also familiar with the Rénoclimat and Hydro-Québec’s Efficient heat pump grants, and will guide you to benefit from these programs.

We offer maintenance services for your unit, whether you bought it from us or not. We verify every component, giving you the best performance from your system.

Our repair services are available 24/ 7. We repair all brands available in Quebec.

We offer nothing less than comfort and peace of mind to all our customers!