Decisions: Price? Quality? Reputation?

Choosing the right company for a new Heating System, Air Conditioning System or even a service provider can be daunting...

Everyone is price conscious...but having work done in your home is not the same as buying a pair of shoes...Not a commodity.

We're told by some new or prospective homeowners that the process has been clouded because they've been told they should seek three (3) prices.

Why three? High, middle, low? Good, better, best? What factors influence your decisions?

Would that be your criteria when faced with having mechanical equipment installed in your home?

Judy Hirshburg, a well-known and very reputable realtor from Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage of Caldwell, NJ was kind enough to give her perspective:

"its very important to maintain & update heating & cooling systems in a home. Ultimately buyers prefer a home thats been well maintained which will be more cost effective in the long run.

When doing price comparisons always remember cheapest price may not be the best! In the end, cheap never pays off. Look for experienced vendors with good ratings."

I posed another question to Judy:

What about the "get 3 prices" concept? Its something that we hear often on home improvement shows and the like. But, price shoppers for service charges? What do you think drives that?

and her response... "

"Partly i believe consumers think its smart to get 3 prices. However typically they will still choose a contractor that they trust and believe will do the best work even if they pay more.

Of course affordability is still an economic problem, Judy says: "Ya get what you pay for"

Energy Star suggests a few qualifications be met:

Ask for licensing information
Get references and experience
Get it all in writing
Share good contractors with friends, co-workers and family

Angie's List suggests you investigate all licensing, referrals, contract details, experience with your particiular system, and if service contracts are offered.

Also an important point to consider is establish a relationship with your contractor after the installation or replacement of your system is complete. You want someone that will stand behind the installation and be able to provide maintenance and service going forward.

No matter how you slice it, the proof is in the "pudding".
Here's a blog post I wrote on Choosing a Great Contractor and our thoughts on How you choose a Great Contractor, too.

We're wondering what your thoughts are, and would appreciate your answering this one question...

Be well and stay safe, and if you live in our local service area, let us know how we can help you?

833.901.7188

833.901.7188