Finding a good HVAC contractor when you need one isn't as simple as doing a search online. While services like Angie's List and Thumbtack can certainly help, there is only so much they can do to provide you with the information you need to make a decision.

So how can you make sure you are hiring a reputable HVAC contractor who is going to do a good job and treat you fairly? There's no one set of questions that will guarantee that you'll hire the right person, but there are some questions that can give you peace of mind. 

Here are ten things to ask: 

1. What are their hours? 

If you're planning to have a contractor come out on a specific day, it's important to know when they can be there--and if they're available at all times of the day. Scheduling around your work or family schedule can be difficult if a contractor’s business hours don't work with yours.

2. How long have they been in business? 

When choosing an HVAC contractor, it's important to look for someone who has been in business for a while. This doesn't mean that all newcomers aren't good--many people start on their own after working for a number of years for someone else. If the contractor has been working for at least 5 years, that means he or she probably has worked on many homes, which means he or she likely knows what goes into installing and repairing HVAC systems.

3. Do they have a specialty? 

There are a number of different HVAC specialties. You may not know what to ask so that you can be sure you're getting exactly what your house needs. This is especially true when you need something unusual for your home (like heating or air conditioning). If you need help with deciding between something more complicated than a typical HVAC unit, such as a ductless system or split zone system, not all contractors are created equal. If your contractor only does traditional ducted systems, for example, can you really trust their opinion about ductless systems?

4. Can they provide references? 

It's always a good idea to get references from any professional that you hire--and HVAC contractors are no exception. References can help you be sure that the contractor will not only do a good job for you, but will also be someone that you’ll enjoy working with. After all, any time you are letting a stranger into your home, it’s a good idea to learn as much about them as possible.

5. If needed, will they apply for permits? 

Permits are required for certain projects, especially anything that involves new or upgraded HVAC systems. A good contractor should be able to apply for the appropriate permits and make sure that everything is in order before making any changes. Making significant changes to your home might require the help of a professional permit writer to get the job done properly and legally. HVAC contractors can work with special contractors who are educated in how to pass these inspections and get the right permits approved before any work is done.

6. Do they provide a warranty? 

A longer warranty can help you rest easy for the life of your HVAC system. This is especially true if you are hiring someone to install something big, like a heating/cooling system, and it's going to be difficult to get in touch with them in an emergency. A good warranty can guarantee that if something breaks down within a certain period of time (usually one year), they will come back and fix it, no questions asked.

7. Are they licensed, bonded, and insured? 

You should check to make sure your HVAC contractor is appropriate licensed (C-20 License) by looking them up on the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website. You should also make sure that they have the required bonds and insurance, to include general liability insurance as well as workers compensation insurance if they will be bringing any employees onto the work site.

8. Do they charge for troubleshooting? 

If you have a problem with your HVAC system and need it looked at, it’s important to know whether the HVAC contractor charges for troubleshooting or not. Many contractors charge a diagnostic fee, while others do not charge for these services. It’s important to keep in mind that time is money, and if the contractor is spending time diagnosing a problem, they would ideally like to be compensated for it. If they’re not charging a diagnostic fee, keep in mind that they may have a bias to recommend certain repairs to compensate them for their time.

9. What are the costs of materials? 

Most HVAC contractors will either charge you hourly for the time they spend working on your project, or a fixed fee amount. Many customers prefer the fixed fee amount, but it’s a good idea to get the price of the systems or components being installed or replaced separately from the labor charges. For most systems, the labor costs are going to be roughly the same regardless of whether you opt for all the bells and whistles or just the basic options. In order to get a true comparison between two options, it’s important to see the costs of the underlying materials.

10. When is payment due? 

It’s common for HVAC contractors to require a down payment prior to starting work. In California, the down payment is limited to the lesser of $1,000 or 10% of the project cost. If work will be completed in stages with payments due at the completion of each stage, make sure that the project tasks that need to be completed by the contractor prior to payment are clearly defined so that there are no surprises. 

Taking the time to ask questions before you hire an HVAC contractor can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. With some careful research before you sign any contracts, you can be sure that you are getting the best value for your money.