Whether you are ready to replace or add a gas furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump; or possibly looking into a ductless heat pump to heat and cool areas in your house separately, the process can feel overwhelming. There are a bunch of contractors in the Puget Sound area that can do this work and you want to find the best fit that meets your comfort and budget needs, as well as (possibly) begin a relationship with someone you can trust for the life of the system.
Alpha HVAC & Electric was founded in 2011 with a focus on delivering high-quality, specialized electrification and HVAC services. We are licensed in electrical and general construction, insured, and bonded for your protection in the state of Washington. We have spent years installing custom-designed residential HVAC systems and providing dedicated service to homeowners throughout King and Snohomish County.
Many folks look at replacing a furnace or air conditioner like replacing a car; nothing could be further from the truth. Each installation is custom-made for the home. As a general rule, it’s more important to have competent experts plan and execute the work than getting the highest quality ‘box’ at the lowest ‘price’. A poorly installed system bought at the lowest price can end up being the most expensive and time-consuming system. Nor does it factor in issues selling your home if no permit was pulled or the system does not meet code.
There are two parts to this process:
- First, use the internet to gather information about each company.
- Second, narrow it down to 3-4 qualified companies and invite an expert to your home to review your application, wants, needs, and budget.
Step 1 – Research Residential HVAC Companies Online
- Company Reviews: We recommend Google as it is the most unbiased. Dig deeper into the types of comments used rather than just the overall score.
- Company Websites: Use these to learn about the projects, people, and specific policies of every company you are interested in.
- Washington Labor & Industries: (https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/) – This is critical for verifying licensing (both general and electrical). If they do not have an electrical 02 (or 01) license, they must sub-contract an electrician to legally permit, which can cause issues.
- Better Business Bureau: (https://www.bbb.org/us/wa) – A nice quick litmus test for a company’s standing and history with consumer complaints.
Step 2 – Meet with the Home Comfort Consultant at Your Home
- Professionalism: How professional does the company sound when you call? If you go into voicemail during regular business hours, know this could be an issue later.
- Experience: How long has this company been in business? Do they know your municipality well regarding permits and inspections?
- Warranty & Service: All HVAC equipment needs an annual check-up. We frequently build annual service into the price, which allows us to increase our labor warranty up to 10 years.
- Permits: Having a permit should be a requirement. Without one, you carry all the liability. At Alpha HVAC & Electric, we ensure every system meets the Washington State Energy Code and safety standards through proper permitting.
- Financial Stability: If the company goes out of business, there is no warranty. Ensure you choose an established partner who will be there for the life of your system.
Finding the Right Residential HVAC Contractor for You
In summary, there are a lot more factors than most people think. It’s a large investment that you will live with for over 10 years. Your home is a sanctuary where you want comfort, healthy air, and quiet, while staying within your budget.
About the Author: Max Ataly
Max Ataly founded Alpha HVAC & Electric in 2011. With over 15 years of experience in the Seattle trade industry, Max has built a reputation on technical accuracy and permit-compliant workmanship. His mission is to deliver transparent pricing and properly engineered systems to every home in King County.
