HVAC Contractor Needed

[Alison Robinson]

I'm replacing the HVAC system in one of my rental properties (1,100 sq. ft. single-family home) in the Crest Hill, IL area and would appreciate some input.

After researching equipment, I've narrowed my preference to a Goodman system based on the balance of cost, reliability, and parts availability. Now I'm focused on selecting the right contractor.

For those of you managing rentals:

• How did you find your go-to HVAC contractor?
• Do you purchase the equipment yourself, or let the contractor supply it?
• If you're in the southwest Chicago suburbs, are there any contractors you've had consistently good experiences with?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.

[Ed O.]

Finding a good contractor often involves sifting through some bad ones along the way. Still happens to me after 25 years in the game.

I start by asking the good contractors I already work with for a referral. We need fair pricing and good, honest service work. Easier said than done. If I do not get good referrals, I will ask other peers in the local market and also check with supply houses. 

As far as HVAC, any reputable company would likely laugh at someone wanting to provide their own equipment for an install. They're generally loyal to one brand and know that brand's products very well. 

My experience with Goodman. Fifteen years ago it was my favorite. Now, I despise it. In our experience, their equipment has not performed as well as it used to and we specifically avoid it at all costs. Rheem and Heil are two of the more commonly preferred brands from the different vendors we work with. They'll all tell you the brand they use is the best. Make sure you have the install cost in writing / text from all of the vendors you have price. Ask them how responsive they are when it's 100 degrees outside and they have 25 calls in the pipeline - will they work late to make it to your job, or do they all punch out at 4pm? We've had great luck with smaller 2-8 employee shops. Companies well marketed with super clean, well lettered trucks are never a good deal and often will charge max prices to anyone that will pay them. 

Good luck.