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Choosing a Pro & Warranties

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC or Plumbing Pro

The right questions protect your home and your wallet. Here's exactly what to ask before you sign — on licensing, pricing, permits, warranties, and who does the work.

Written by the Anna's Air, Heat & Plumbing teamReviewed by [GATHER: named licensed HVAC/plumbing reviewer + role for author attribution]Last updated 7 min read

Why do the right questions protect you?

A few clear questions up front reveal almost everything you need to know about a contractor — long before any work begins. The way a company answers tells you as much as the answers themselves.

A true professional welcomes these questions and answers them plainly. Hesitation, vague replies, or pressure to "just trust us" are the warning signs you want to catch while it's still easy to walk away. Pair this list with our guide to how to choose a contractor for the full picture.

Questions about licensing & insurance

This is the non-negotiable first step. Clear the licensing and insurance bar before you discuss anything else.

  • "What is your Florida license number?" — then verify it yourself.
  • "Are you insured, and can you show current proof of coverage?"
  • "Does your insurance cover both liability and your workers on my property?"

Questions about the quote & scope

A real quote is written, itemized, and complete. These questions make sure you're comparing the whole job — not a number with surprises hidden inside it.

  • "Is the quote in writing and itemized, so I can see what each part costs?"
  • "Are permits and inspections included in this price?"
  • "What could change the final price once work begins, and how will you tell me?"

Permits should be in the quote

For most replacements in Brevard County, a permit is required. A good contractor pulls it for you and includes it in the quote. See permits & code compliance in Brevard County for why this protects you.

Questions about warranties & guarantees

"Warranty" can mean three different things, and they don't all last the same amount of time. Pin down each one in writing.

  • Labor: "How long is your workmanship warranty, and what does it cover?"
  • Parts: "What's covered on the equipment itself, and for how long?"
  • Manufacturer: "Does the manufacturer warranty need registration or documented maintenance to stay valid?"

Questions about who does the work & when

You're inviting someone into your home, so it's fair to ask who that will be and how quickly they can help.

  • "Are your technicians employees, and are they background-checked?"
  • "Will subcontractors be involved, and are they licensed too?"
  • "How soon can you start, and do you offer same-day or emergency service?"

How Anna's answers these

We're glad to answer every one of these. Anna's is woman-owned, licensed and insured, with background-checked technicians, written and itemized quotes, and permits handled for you on the jobs that need them.

Our work is backed by a 365-Day Money-Back Guarantee, and we offer same-day service and 24-hour emergency help across the Space Coast. Ask us anything on this list — reach out anytime, or if you already have a quote, get a free second opinion before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

What should I ask before hiring an HVAC company?
Ask for their license number and proof of insurance, a written and itemized quote, and whether permits are included. Ask what the warranty covers on labor versus parts, who actually performs the work and whether techs are background-checked, and how soon they can start. Clear answers to all of these are the sign of a real pro.
Should a contractor pull permits for the work?
Yes — for most replacements and major work in Brevard County, a permit is required, and a licensed contractor should pull it for you. If a company suggests skipping the permit to save time or money, treat it as a red flag. Permits and inspections protect your safety, your warranty, and your home's resale value.
What warranty questions should I ask?
Ask three things: what's covered on labor, what's covered on the equipment or parts, and for how long each lasts. Get it in writing. Also ask whether the manufacturer warranty requires registration or documented maintenance to stay valid — a detail that surprises many homeowners after the fact.
How do I verify a contractor's license?
Ask for the license number directly — a legitimate contractor shares it without hesitation — then confirm it through Florida's state licensing lookup. Check that it's active and matches the company name. Pair that with proof of current insurance, and you've cleared the two biggest risks before any work begins.

Have these questions? We have clear answers.

Anna's is woman-owned, licensed and insured, with background-checked techs and a 365-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Ask us anything, and get a free second opinion on any quote you're holding.