What Should I Know About Working With an HVAC Dealer?

Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned professional, if you’re looking for a brand new system or a replacement for an old one, it’s more than likely that you’ll find yourself working with an HVAC dealer at some point or another. While HVAC can be complicated, working with a local Trane dealer will help make everything from exploration to purchase a breeze. Here are some simple steps and tips to help make the HVAC buying process and dealer interactions as seamless as possible.

Your HVAC dealer is there to help take the confusion out of heating and cooling by guiding you through every step of the way. These are the five general steps you can expect to follow as you start working with an HVAC dealer to find the perfect system for your home.

To kick off the process of working with an HVAC dealer, you’ll need to submit a request. This can be done electronically in various places on the Trane residential website by using our contact a dealer form, or by calling our customer service number at 1-877-640-2497. Submitting a request lets us know you’re ready to begin the process of finding, replacing, or repairing your HVAC system. The information you provide online or over the phone will be sent to an independent Trane dealer in your area, who will then contact you to arrange a time to visit your home.

After the initial request, the HVAC dealer will complete an assessment of your needs. This process can take place in person or over the phone. During this time, the dealer will get to know you and your lifestyle in order to find an HVAC system that fits your needs. The dealer will ask questions about the factors that are important to you in your new system, such as energy efficiency, noise level, indoor air quality, and more. This is your opportunity to tell your dealer exactly what you want to end up with at the end of the purchasing process.

Next, your dealer will conduct a home review. This is a lengthy process, usually lasting around two hours, that provides your dealer with the logistical information necessary to find an optimal system for your needs. During the home review, the dealer will determine a load calculation, which helps determine the best type and size HVAC system for your home, in order to maximize comfort and efficiency. The load calculation takes into account factors such as home square footage, heights of ceiling, number of home occupants, number of windows, and number of exterior doors. Beyond the load calculation, the dealer will also inspect your home’s installation and any existing ductwork.

Once the dealer has assessed your needs and gathered logistical information, they’re now equipped to recommend systems for your home. Your HVAC dealer will provide several options for you to choose from, plus explain how each system works and why it could be a good fit for your home. Be sure to use this time to ask the dealer any questions you might have about the systems, pricing, local utility rebates that might be available in your area, and financing options.

After you’ve decided on the perfect system for your home, your dealer will order your new Trane system. During this step is when you can work out a payment option, whether you want to pay outright or finance your system. Your dealer will schedule a date for system installation, as well as give you information about warranty options available.

A dealer can help demystify the complex world of HVAC. While you can do lots of research yourself to help determine your heating and cooling needs and preferences, an HVAC professional is an expert in the industry who can guide you toward the perfect system for you. Beyond that, an HVAC dealer has the knowledge and skills to expertly assess your home to decide logistical components, as well as capabilities to install, maintain, and troubleshoot your system in the future.

The local independent Trane dealer in your area should have both state and federal HVAC professional licenses. Beyond mandated requirements, Trane dealers with the title, “Trane Comfort Specialists,” are dealers who excel in their field. You can also look for NATE certified dealers, which is an organization that certifies heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians with a series of tests. Additionally, EPA 608 certified technicians are able to handle refrigerant, the chemical cooling compound found inside HVAC systems, and the HVAC Excellence Certification and the HVAC Quality Installation Standard are two other impressive qualifications.

Your relationship with your local independent Trane dealer doesn’t end after your system is purchased and installed. Instead, your HVAC dealer will be back at least twice a year for general seasonal maintenance on your system. Also, if you are ever experiencing problems or have heating or cooling questions, your dealer is only a phone call away to help with troubleshooting, additional service needs, or general HVAC questions. 
Trane was named “America’s Most Trusted HVAC 2015 - 2022” by Lifestory Research for a reason, and wants you to consider your local HVAC dealer a lifelong resource to help you achieve your ideal home comfort for every season.