You’ve no doubt heard the phrase “licensed, bonded and insured,” but how does it apply to the HVAC company you’re considering hiring? These three credentials assure you a company has met the state’s requirements that protect consumers from contractors who are unqualified and those who engage in unscrupulous practices. A reputable HVAC professional should be happy to provide you with a copy of their license, proof of insurance and their bond number and certification. To help you understand why you should only hire an HVAC contractor who is licensed, bonded and insured, let’s take a look at what each term means.
Licensed
HVAC contractors must be licensed through Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). This license demonstrates that a contractor has the necessary training and experience to work in their trade. The CILB is also in charge of the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund, which was established to reimburse homeowners who lose money if their licensed contractor violates certain state laws while under contract. If your HVAC contractor isn’t licensed, you won’t have this protection.
Bonded
An HVAC contractor must purchase a surety bond before obtaining their state license. A bond is really a type of insurance that protects you in the event the contractor doesn’t complete the job properly, doesn’t pay their subcontractors, neglects to obtain necessary permits or fails to meet other financial obligations. If your contractor isn’t bonded, you could be held responsible for these unexpected costs.
Insured
Contractors who do business in Florida must carry two types of insurance in case of accidental injuries on the job. They must have workers’ compensation coverage to protect you from any liability if their employees are injured while in your home. Commercial general liability insurance (GCL) is also a necessity, and it covers you against personal and bodily injury or property damage due to their negligence. This is vital, because most homeowner’s policies don’t provide this protection.
For more information on the importance of hiring a licensed, bonded and insured HVAC professional in the Tampa, St. Petersburg or Clearwater areas, contact us at Senica Air Conditioning, Inc., Inc.
