How to Hire Bend HVAC Contractors
Author: Bill Hoelzer / Read Time: About 6 Minutes
We started in Bend, Oregon back in 2007. It’s fair to say that we’ve seen it all.
There are a handful of reputable HVAC contractors like GreenSavers. However, we also have a fair number of HVAC contractors who cause more problems than they solve - either because of unethical business practices (less common) or because they don’t know better (more common).
In this article, you’ll find a few guidelines to choose the right HVAC contractor for your home. If you have questions or want help with your home, please give us a call at 541.330.8767, or send us a message anytime.
Examples of Choosing the Wrong Bend HVAC Contractor
“HVAC” stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It’s a broad category of mechanical systems that most people only think about when they don’t work.
To give some examples of what it looks like when homeowners choose the wrong HVAC contractor, let’s focus on heat pumps, including both ducted and ductless heat pumps.
When they’re properly installed, heat pumps operate more efficiently than any other heating and cooling system on the market, and they offer complete control across the different zones or rooms in your home.
But .. we’ve seen some bungled heat pump installations since we started back in 2007.
The following list isn’t meant to be exhaustive. It’s just a few examples of what it looks like when homeowners choose the wrong HVAC contractor for their heat pump installation.
Heat Pump Mistake #1: Excessive or slack line sets and wiring
Line sets should have firm wiring and proper mounting. They should not be wound or ziptied.
The heat pump below has extra line sets and wiring, which can significantly lower its efficiency. This is because the refrigerant has a longer distance to go in the line sets.
Long line sets can slump or twist over time, which can restrict the flow of refrigerant and cause your heat pump to work much harder than it should. Plus, it’s a trip hazard!
Heat Pump Mistake #2: Line sets aren’t properly protected
Line hide should be used to cover line sets and shield them from the outdoor elements. Uncovered line sets can face harsh weather, animals, and yard tools that can harm them and lead to leaks, energy loss, or the breakdown of your heat pump.
In the picture below, this heat pump’s line sets are not hidden by line hide, and you can see exposed fuses at the bottom of the image.
Heat Pump Mistake #3: Exposed wiring in your house
You should not see the wiring or line sets of the heat pump inside your home (like in the picture below). The line set should enter the unit from behind and be hidden from sight.
Apart from being unsightly, an unsealed hole with visible wires causes air to escape—which raises your energy consumption—and leaves the wires vulnerable to damage.
Heat Pump Mistake #4: No foam or sealant to close entryways
The photo below shows what it looks like when an HVAC installer doesn’t use foam or sealant to close up the penetration points in the home.
Without foam or sealant, the holes allow cold air and moisture - as well as rodents and bugs - to enter your home. Sealing up air leaks is one of the most cost effective things you can do to protect your home and keep your energy bills in check.
Heat Pump Mistake #5: Unprotected Wiring through crawl space vents
In some situations, it’s OK to run wires through crawl space vents. For example, if there’s no rim joist to use as an exit (post and beam construction) we use half of a crawl vent to run the lines. The key is to make sure you’re sealing completely around the line penetration.
The best HVAC contractors will remove half or a third of the vent and install some kind of rigid blocking (usually wood) and then drill holes for the refrigerant lines through that, making sure to seal it all up afterwards.
The heat pump wiring in the picture below is poorly installed. It goes through the crawl space vent without sealing and into the soil next to the home, which is a major no-no. It can cause water damage to your foundation and create mold and mildew problems in your home.
Risks of Choosing the Wrong Bend HVAC Contractor
Clearly there are a thousand things that could go wrong with your home if you choose a less than reputable HVAC contractor. Each of the smaller issues adds up to larger risks. Here are a couple to keep in mind.
Voided Warranties
Mitsubishi, Lennox, and other reputable brands of heating and cooling equipment all offer strong warranties that protect you in case the equipment doesn’t perform as promised.
Unless … you hire an unqualified or unlicensed HVAC contractor.
Read the fine print for your new HVAC system. You’ll see that the system must be installed and serviced by licensed and certified HVAC contractor. If you hire an unqualified or unlicensed HVAC contractor, you may void your warranty and lose your protection against defects or malfunctions.
The result? You have to pay out of pocket for any repairs or replacements that would otherwise be covered by the warranty.
Legal Liabilities
This last risk applies mostly to smaller or newer HVAC contractors in Bend, Oregon.
HVAC contractors are required to have proper licenses, permits, and insurance to operate in Bend, Oregon.
If you hire an unlicensed or uninsured HVAC contractor, you may be held liable for any damages, injuries, or violations that occur during or after the service. For example, if the contractor damages your property, injures themselves or someone else, or fails to comply with the local codes and regulations, you may have to pay for the repairs, medical bills, fines, or lawsuits.
Questions to Ask Bend HVAC Contractors
How long have you been operating?
The longer an HVAC contractor has been around, the more you can trust that they will bid your project honestly and deliver as expected. Generally, steer clear of any company that has been around for less than three years. The longer, the better.
GreenSavers has been locally owned and operated in Bend, Oregon since 2007.
Do you have a license and insurance for HVAC in Oregon?
Your contractor needs a CCB license to follow state and local building codes. Ask for their number and check them out on the Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board site. This is common sense, but steer clear of a company that lacks a license and insurance.
GreenSavers is licensed, bonded, and insured for HVAC in Oregon. Our CCB number is: 190255. Look us up. We have a clean record with zero complaints.
Are You a Trade Ally with the Energy Trust of Oregon?
To qualify for cash incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon, your HVAC system must be installed by one of their certified Trade Ally Contractors.
GreenSavers is not only a Trade Ally contractor, but also, we have received the highest rating from the Energy Trust - five out of five stars - for our customer service and quality installations.
Do you use subcontractors?
If so, who are they? What are their credentials? You don’t want to find a vehicle with a different company logo in your driveway and be unsure what’s happening. It’s alright if your installer subcontracts parts of the project - it’s common for electrical work in particular. Just make sure the subcontractor is competent.
GreenSavers is a vertically integrated company, meaning that we do almost all of our own work. If subcontractors are needed, we’ll tell you in advance, so there are no surprises when it’s time for your HVAC installation.
Hiring Bend HVAC Contractors: The Bottom Line
Ask questions to find the right HVAC contractor for your project. A new heating or cooling system is a significant investment, and you want to ensure you get what you pay for.
If you have questions about your home in Bend, Redmond, or across Oregon, please phone (541) 330-8767. We’re here to help.
Learn More About Heating and Cooling
Start by visiting our heating and cooling resource pages for homeowners in Portland or Bend, Oregon. You can also keep reading our latest blog articles about energy efficient heating and cooling.
