The document discusses factors to consider when choosing an HVAC contractor. It notes that a Department of Energy report found that 50% of newly installed heating and cooling systems are oversized, which can lead to shorter lifespan due to frequent cycling. The most important consideration is ensuring the contractor precisely calculates the home's heating and cooling loads rather than providing estimations. It also provides a checklist comparing different contractor options and their qualifications, warranties, insurance, and customer service.

1. When looking at more HVAC contractors, consider:
What was stated in a recent Department of Energy report was that 50% of newly installed heating and cooling
systems are oversized. By the nature of its design, technically, that means that an oversized system will cycle
on and off at a much faster rate than is healthy for the system.
The result? A far shorter life for the HVAC system.
The most important consideration, then, is to make certain that the contractor does a very precise job in
calculating the heating and cooling loads on your home or business. Be very suspicious of contractors who give
estimations off of the top of their heads, or those who simply measure your home’s square feet, then draw
conclusions from those numbers.
Other than that, here’s a checklist for you to use when you compare Paul Revere Revolutionary Service to our
competition
Paul Revere (Company A) Company B Company C
Yes No Yes No
Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer
Bryant Certified Dealer
Certified MA CoolSmart Installers
Full Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance
Dedicated Comfort Consultant
In business 30+ years
One hundred plus combined company experience in
HVAC
We follow the DOE & EPA whole-home approach
Background checks on all employees
Sales staff trained in energy credits and rebates for
consumers
Provides detailed written proposals so clients fully
understands what they are getting.
All legal US workers
Extended office hours where you always talk to a
human
Well maintained fleet so you know our techs will be
there when you need them

2. Your comfort…
guaranteed!
Ten things to consider when shopping for price:
1. Look carefully at the warrantee. Does the proposalwith the lower price cover the same
items for the same length of time as the more expensive proposal?
2. One needs to factor into the price if it’s an interest bearing loan, on an interest-free
MassSaveloan
3. Ask why they are cheaper than the more expensive quote.
4. Ask why the more expensive quote is higher.
5. How long have they been in business. TheUS Small Business Administration says that
80% of small businesses failwithin the first5 years. If they are here today, will they be
there tomorrow?
6. Are you ecology minded? The efficiency ratings also mean that the less efficient the
systemis, the more pollution goes into the atmosphere.
7. Did the contractor take the time to properly size your home. As we mentioned on the
flip side, an improperly sized systemcan havea shorter life and you could be shopping
for price sooner than you would like.
8. Who manufacturers the quoted heating or cooling system? Before you sign with any
contractor, do an internet search for something like, “Model Name and consumer
reviews” If you’renotcomfortable on computers, go to your local library and ask the
librarian to show you how.
9. Go to severalconsumer review websites and search for the contractor. Sites like Yelp,
Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau typically have reviews of contractors – both
good and bad. Weigh contractors carefully. Consumer Reports says thatthe most
important consideration in choosing a contractor is trustworthiness. Again, ask a
librarian if you are not comfortable with computers.
10. Did they take the time to answer all of your questions? Do you feel comfortable with?
What does your gut tell you? Did the salesperson pressureyou? Frequently, if an alarm
goes off in your head, it’s for a reason.