We get it: everyone loves saving a few bucks. Whether you’ve negotiated a great deal on rent, won an eBay auction, or scored a huge discount on your favorite treat, there’s nothing like the feeling of keeping money in your wallet.

However, that mindset is not always helpful when you’re comparing contractor estimates for an HVAC in Fort Myers.

If you’ve ever been tempted to go for a lowball estimate from an inexperienced, unlicensed, and uninsured contractor, avoid the urge. These offers sometimes seem too good to be true because they are!

With the wrong contractor, you may end up facing shoddy workmanship, subpar HVAC performance, or even property damage. Even worse, the unexpected costs can be far more than the cost of hiring a reputable worker in the first place.

If you’re on the fence about hiring an untested HVAC contractor, here are a few reasons to rethink it.

Why State Licensing Matters

Every state has unique licensing requirements for HVAC technicians. This ensures that workers have the knowledge, training, and skills they need to perform their work well. For customers, it also reduces the risk of scams: not just anyone can get licensed!

In Florida, anyone who wants to become a licensed HVAC engineer must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete a classroom training program or have on-the-job training with a licensed contractor
• Pass a state licensing exam, which includes questions on trade knowledge as well as business and finance skills
• Pass a criminal background check

These requirements can vary between different types of Florida HVAC licenses, but this is what aspiring workers will generally expect.

With the knowledge HVAC technicians gain via the licensing process, they’ll understand how to perform safe and effective work. This includes ensuring their work meets state and local code standards to protect everyone under your roof. They’ll also be able to advise you on everything from the best AC makes to air filtering to emergency repairs.

A licensed contractor gives you peace of mind: you know they know what they’re doing. You won’t have to worry about hiring an unskilled worker masquerading as an HVAC expert!

If you still aren’t sold on hiring a licensed contractor, don’t forget that many HVAC warranties require you to choose a skilled technician for any maintenance or repair work.

Failing to do so may void your warranty. This means paying for all future system repairs. In other words, the money you save now could cost you hundreds or thousands over the lifetime of your system!

Why Insurance Matters

Where licensing helps reduce the risk of anything going wrong on the job, insurance protects you in case something does happen.

HVAC systems are designed to be safe. Even so, they contain many hazardous substances and components. From toxic refrigerant to high-voltage electricity, these systems aren’t without risk!

If something goes wrong, insurance protects you from financial liability. This is the case whether your HVAC engineer gets hurt on your property or something causes damage to your belongings. Whether an air conditioning fault caused the problem or the worker made a mistake, insurance covers you.

In Florida, licensed HVAC workers must have liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage is yet another reason to always choose a licensed technician!

What About Bonding?

A contractor bond is a perk that protects your wallet. When a contractor is bonded, it ensures that they will fulfill their end of a contract, whether that’s installing a new AC or performing heating repair.

If they aren’t able to complete this project, they must find another contractor to do the job or offer a refund. If a bonded contractor does not offer these things, you can file a claim against the bond to get compensation.

In the state of Florida, bonding isn’t always a licensing requirement. However, it may be if a contractor’s credit score is below a certain threshold.

It’s always a good idea to choose a bonded contractor. Many companies offer 100% satisfaction guarantees, but bonding can be an even safer guarantee.

Above and Beyond: Special Certifications

If you want to be even more confident in your choice of contractor, look for someone with one or more industry certifications. Getting an additional certification shows that a contractor is serious about their craft and has extra experience to boot.

NATE

NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. Because it’s a nationally recognized certification, it’s always a great sign if your contractor has opted for it.

NATE certification involves a series of exams that cover real-world working knowledge. There are a range of certification levels, with some bestowed on contractors with specialized knowledge.

EPA

Certification from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is helpful for contractors who work with refrigerants. Because refrigerants are such toxic substances, getting extensive training on how to handle them and the equipment that contains them is a smart move.

BPI

BPI certifications come from the Building Performance Institute. They focus on energy-efficient HVAC systems and appliances.

As with NATE certifications, there are several types of BPI certifications. This allows contractors to specialize in one or more areas. Depending on their choice, BPI-certified contractors may be able to help with things like weatherization and building audits.

HVAC Excellence

These certifications are less common, and they focus on a contractor’s work experience above all. Contractors can apply for this certificate after a comprehensive exam starting after two years of experience in HVAC services.

Choose Us for Your HVAC in Fort Myers

It’s safe to say that the right contractor can make or break your installation, maintenance, or repair experience. Partnering with an HVAC technician who meets the requirements above can be great for your peace of mind. It’s also the best move for your wallet!

If you’re looking for a reliable technician, trust the team at Florida Cooling Solutions. Our contractors are licensed, insured, bonded, and NATE-certified, and we’ve trained in all HVAC makes and models to ensure we can help with any issue you run into. Our commitment to exceptional service is why we’ve earned our A+ BBB rating and glowing client reviews!

To get help with your HVAC in Fort Myers, contact us today for a free estimate. Same-day service is available.