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Set your conditions with an HVAC contract.
Whether it’s for emergency service or annual maintenance, learn how to write a complete and detailed HVAC service contract covering all parties involved.
Stay cool, calm, and collected with an HVAC contract.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Some examples of HVAC work include the installation of cooling systems or air conditioners, assessment of air quality within a residential or commercial space, and the replacement of HVAC equipment like compressors and thermostats.
A service contract clarifies what exactly is being accomplished, when it should be finished, and any other specifics for your project that help both parties know what to expect. Like certain other contracts, it’s dependent on a physical inspection before being drafted.
When HVAC service contracts help out.
Without a thorough contract, the roles and duties of those involved in an HVAC project may become ambiguous, leading to confusion, miscommunication, and potentially a lack of progress. In addition, as legally binding documents, HVAC service agreements protect you if one party breaches the contract or something goes wrong. HVAC contracts form a relationship built on transparency and communication from day one.
For service providers
An HVAC maintenance contract serves as an introduction to potential clients. It clearly articulates the services that your team will perform, how long the job will take to complete, and how much it will cost. Contracts show a high level of professionalism and can protect your business with a set of instructions to follow in case a dispute arises.
For customers
Suppose you want an estimate and are weighing your options between HVAC companies or commercial HVAC contractors. In that case, written contracts can give you a better sense of particular things like pricing and materials needed, as well as help you make more informed decisions.
Regularly scheduled preventive maintenance, a standard portion of most contracts, also helps prolong the life of the HVAC system, ultimately saving you money. Most warranties for HVAC units lapse without a record of proper maintenance, so HVAC contracts work well to document consistent care. If you’re a homeowner who wants to increase the value of your property, a detailed service record that shows upkeep could make prospective buyers more interested.
The basics of an HVAC service contract.
While no two projects are the same, comprehensive, credible contracts all share these standard provisions designed to benefit both parties. Ensure that these are in your agreement before you finalize the terms and apply your signature. Use plain language when necessary to keep it as straightforward as possible and keep the process moving. Consult with a legal expert to ensure any contract template you create is in good shape.
Party details
This section includes all relevant info for the parties involved, including names, physical addresses, and their roles in the transaction. All contracts require a statement of acknowledgment for the entire agreement in the party details section.
Scope of work
This portion is a narrative description of the project’s work requirements. It should consist of specific activities and deliverables to be completed by the service technician and a timeline for expected completion.
Pricing and payment information
A provision about the project’s overall cost: Plainly state whether it’s a flat, ongoing, or period fee and how you will pay the HVAC company or subcontractors you hire.
Termination clause
List the conditions in which either party can terminate the contract. Additionally, this field should include information about how to handle issues like nonpayment.
Indemnification
If something goes wrong, protect yourself by clearly delineating who pays for the damages to the affected party. HVAC work can be hazardous as it’s a form of electrical construction, so this clause is necessary to help mitigate some of the risks involved and give both parties peace of mind.
Service modifications
During the project, either the employer or the “contractee” may want to edit the agreement. This section covers what to do when one party wants to make changes and how to inform the other party of those changes.
Laws and ordinances
When a dispute arises, inform both parties of which laws and ordinances they are subject to and how to apply them. Typically, this only applies to state, not federal, laws, so keep that in mind.
Date and signature
The last field should have space for all parties to sign and date the contract. Leave even more room for any additional notes or comments that might have sprung up upon review of the terms.
More nuts and bolts.
While not as expected as the other provisions, the following optional tenets can also help flesh out your contract and further expand your coverage.
Insurance: List an insurance provider in case of personal injury or emergency, like an electrical fire, to avoid being held liable for all damages.
Performance guarantee: Provide a written promise from the service technician that guarantees customer satisfaction upon the work’s completion.
Specifications: Spell out explicit instructions to the HVAC company or contractor about the work to be done. This can include such items as additional required blueprints, assigning responsibilities for licensing and fees, and instructions on how to clear the job site.
Warranty: Many service providers give customers a one-year warranty during which time they will make repairs free if they are due to defective equipment, quality of work, or a failure to meet performance standards.
Play it cool with Adobe Acrobat.
Once the groundwork of a contract is complete, let Acrobat powered by Adobe Acrobat Sign build an easier workflow. Review the doc (with legal counsel present if necessary) and e-sign wherever you happen to be, on any device.
Track your digital HVAC contracts and see how progress is going. Real-time feedback means when one step of the process is done, notifications will let you know immediately. And finally, keep your contract handy, and save it as a contract template for when you’re ready to draft a new one.