(NC)—The Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada advises consumers to follow these six considerations when hiring an air conditioning contractor:

1. Finding Reputable Contractors

Contact neighbours, friends, relatives and co-workers for opinions on work done recently by a contractor. Or use the business directory for your area or newspaper, radio and television ads to identify contractors. Either way, be sure to check whether the contractor has appropriately certified personnel on staff (licensed air conditioning mechanics, electricians, gas fitters, oil burner technicians, etc.), whether they offer 24 hour emergency service, and what maintenance and service agreements are available for long term care.

2. Getting Estimates

Arrange for at least three estimates on large jobs and always insist that the contractor come and inspect the job site. Some small jobs may be priced out and an estimate written immediately, but larger jobs (including replacement installations) will require additional time to price properly and to prepare a heat loss and gain calculation

for proper sizing of the equipment.

3. The Contract

Your contract is a legal, binding document when signed by both parties, so be sure you understand and agree with the contents before signing. Any changes or additions in the work to be done should never be made without those alterations being written into the contract and initialled by both parties. If extra billing is to occur, it must be clearly stated and initialled by both parties. The contract should clearly state the following items:

1. the required licenses and permits that must be purchased by the contractor;
2. responsibility for removal of old equipment and materials;
3. warranties and guarantees on materials and labour;
4. approximate start and completion dates;
5. price and terms of payment;
6. provision of consumer orientation regarding operation and maintenance of the equipment and/or an operations manual to be left with the consumer.

4. Payment Methods

Payment terms will vary but in all cases the payment schedule should be easy to understand and should clearly state if interest charges are applicable. A nominal deposit may be requested.

5. Insurance

For your protection, it is important

that the contractor and any sub-contractors have liability insurance. You may wish to ask who the policy is with and follow up to verify if it is current. They should also be able to produce a certificate of good standing from the provincial Workers' Compensation Board.

6. References

Reputable contractors will be happy to give you the names and addresses of customers they've done work for in your area. You may wish to contact the Better Business Bureau, which maintains records of consumer complaints about its members. You should also ask whether the contractor is a member of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC-Canada). HRAC requires its members to carry relevant trade, fuel safety and municipal licenses as well as workers' compensation and liability insurance. They also list their members in good standing on a consumer website: www.hrac.ca.

- News Canada