Choose a Heating Contractor

Choosing the right contractor when you convert to natural gas heat or upgrade your heating system will help you enjoy all the value natural gas offers. Selecting a qualified, reputable contractor is very important. This guide will help you ask the right questions.

• Look for a contractor who has an established business.
• Ask if the contractor both services and installs the equipment.
• Determine if the contractor provides 24-hour emergency service.
• Inquire about any training the installers and service technicians receive as well as the amount and type of experience the technicians who will install your equipment have.
• Confirm your contractor is licensed, bonded and insured.
• Your contractor should be professional, prompt and courteous.
• Ask the contractor for references from former customers and be sure to check them.

Your comfort depends on the right equipment:

• Ask your contractor to do a heat-loss analysis by measuring your home to determine the appropriate furnace size.
• Your contractor should be able to tell you if your heat delivery system is in good working order and adequate for your heating needs.
• A good contractor can tell you how efficiently your home is weatherized.
• Quality equipment should provide years of dependable service and be backed by the manufacturer's and/or contractor's warranty.

Before you sign:

• Obtain a written proposal that clearly outlines the work to be done and the agreed price.
• Read the contract and ask questions about any points you do not understand.
• Ask how long you have to cancel the contract, and what the costs or penalties are for doing so.