With the economy as it is, it might seem like a practical idea to hire the cheapest contractor, even if he is unlicensed, to install or repair your climate control system. However, it might end up costing you more money in the long run.
HVAC System
When dealing with your HVAC system, one of your biggest investments which plays an essential part in keeping your home comfortable, it is important to make sure that the person you are hiring is qualified for the job. A poorly installed and maintained system will cause your energy consumption to skyrocket, need frequent repairs, depreciate your property value, and even put your health at risk.
By hiring a licensed technician, you can be assured that the person working on your HVAC system has undergone and passed the conditions of certification. Not only does he have the required technical expertise, but he also has knowledge about health and environment safety regulations. This is especially important as controlled substances such as refrigerants are usually a component in most climate control units.
Aside from this, most unlicensed contractors do not bother with getting work and building permits from the government. If something goes wrong, the homeowner may be the one held legally responsible. And if the unlicensed contractor gets hurt or injured during the course of the job, you may become liable to pay for medical expenses. On the other hand, licensed contractors are usually covered by insurance.
Most homeowner’s insurance do not cover damages to your property caused by hiring unlicensed technicians. Without a written contract, it would be difficult to hold the technician accountable in court.
So as you can see, with all things considered, a licensed contractor is almost always the practical choice.
