Shopping for a new HVAC system is something you’ll only have to do two or three times in your life. It’s a significant investment, which is why it’s crucial to take your time and ensure you’re making an informed decision. Getting multiple bids is an essential step in the buying process.
At Genuine Comfort, we believe in giving our customers all the information they need to make the right decisions about their new HVAC systems. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of getting multiple bids in order to help you avoid bad deals, receive the quality products and services you need, and get the most bang for your buck.
The 3 Types of HVAC Companies
By getting bids from multiple companies for your new HVAC system and comparing them, you can gain valuable insight into these companies’ business practices and whether or not they are offering a good deal. Throughout our many years in the HVAC industry, we have learned that there are three main types of HVAC companies:
Type 1: High Price, Low Quality
The first category of HVAC service providers is those who sell low-quality equipment for an exorbitant price. We often associate higher prices with higher quality, but in the world of HVAC, that’s not always the case. Dishonest companies may try to trick you into paying more than you should for subpar equipment.
Type 2: Low Price, Low Quality
If you’re getting multiple bids, you may be tempted to go with the lowest price; however, that’s not usually going to be the best decision in the long-run. Remember that you get what you pay for — bids that are thousands of dollars below the expected price are likely not the great deal they seem. Something has to be lacking to allow them to be offering such low prices, whether it’s improper installation, insufficient service, or inferior equipment.
Type 3: Happy Medium
The last category of HVAC companies is those who lie right in the middle. Their prices align with what’s expected in the industry, and they are dedicated to providing a high level of service. This is where Genuine Comfort fits in the industry — our end goal is to provide the best customer service possible and ensure your complete satisfaction.
Why Do I Need to Get Multiple Bids?
With such a wide range of HVAC service providers out there, seeking multiple bids is a crucial part of the HVAC system buying process. We recommend getting three bids from different companies. If one is wildly different from the others, toss it out — it’s likely an indication that something sketchy is going on.
As you review your multiple bids, keep these principles in mind:
Cheapest is Not Always Best
We get it — a new HVAC system comes with a significant price tag, and you want to save money wherever possible. However, choosing the lowest bid is not always the best solution. Like we mentioned earlier with the “type 2” companies, you’re probably not going to be happy with the results of a low-price job.
Maybe the installers weren’t properly trained, or maybe the new system isn’t the right size for your home. Perhaps they’re offering unreliable equipment that won’t last as long. Whatever the reason, cheap service often leads to more issues down the line, making it more expensive in the long run than getting it done right the first time.
Avoid High-Priced Scams
If one bid is significantly higher than the rest, there’s a good chance that the company falls into the “type 1” category, charging you more than they should for what you’re getting. By getting multiple bids, you can avoid dishonest contractors who put profits above all else.
Get the Right HVAC System for Your Home
A sign of a good HVAC contractor is if they take their time with the bid to ensure they’re recommending the best system for your home’s individual needs. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all HVAC system, which is why we consider the number of vents in your home, square footage, window placement, and more to determine the appropriate solutions for you.
Keep in mind that just because your current HVAC system worked well for you doesn’t mean it’s the best option available. Today’s equipment is much more efficient than it was 15 or 20 years ago, which means you’ll need an expert technician to perform an in-home analysis to ensure you’re getting the ideal solutions. Seeking multiple bids allows you to compare the level of service provided by each company and judge their attention to detail.
Quality Service for a Fair Price
At Genuine Comfort, we strive to provide the quality service you deserve at a price that won’t break the bank. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, contact us today to receive a quote. We’re confident that as you shop around and get multiple bids, you’ll see that Genuine Comfort is the best HVAC service provider around.
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