Questions Facility Managers Should Ask Their HVAC Contractor
Choosing the right commercial HVAC contractor isn’t just about who can show up the fastest or offer the lowest bid. For facility managers in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana, asking the right questions can save your business time, money, and major headaches down the road. The wrong partner can lead to unexpected downtime, inflated energy bills, and long-term operational risk.
Here are five essential questions every facility manager should ask before hiring an HVAC contractor. Need help with your commercial HVAC system? Contact Choice Mechanical Services today for expert guidance tailored to your Indiana facility.
1. Do You Specialize in Commercial HVAC Systems?
Commercial HVAC systems are far more complex than residential ones. They involve larger-scale equipment, more sophisticated controls, and greater integration with building automation. It’s critical to hire a contractor who specializes in commercial and industrial systems and understands the operational demands of your facility.
- Experience with rooftop units, boilers, chillers, and refrigeration
- Knowledge of Indiana building codes and compliance standards
- Familiarity with zoning, ventilation, and multi-zone climate control
If you’re evaluating contractors, be sure they understand the scope of commercial HVAC infrastructure. Let’s talk about your commercial system needs in Indianapolis or Central Indiana.
2. What’s Your Approach to Preventative Maintenance?
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding surprise breakdowns and extending the lifespan of expensive HVAC equipment. A qualified contractor should offer proactive, documented, and site-specific service—not just reactive repairs.
- Routine inspections with actionable reporting
- Tailored service intervals for your equipment and usage
- Support for compliance, warranty protection, and budgeting
At Choice Mechanical, our commercial HVAC maintenance agreements are built around the specific demands of each facility. If you’re wondering whether routine maintenance is really worth the investment, check out our article on the hidden cost of skipping HVAC maintenance.
We’d be happy to build a custom maintenance plan for your operation.
3. How Do You Handle Emergency Situations?
When your HVAC system fails, every minute counts. Whether it’s a chiller going down in July or a boiler freezing over in January, downtime affects productivity, safety, and in some cases, compliance. That’s why you need a contractor that provides true emergency support—not just “next-day” service.
- 24/7/365 availability for commercial clients
- Rapid dispatch from Central Indiana technicians
- Fully stocked trucks to minimize repeat visits
Our emergency HVAC services are available day or night to keep your facility protected. Not sure why this matters? Here’s a deeper look at why every facility should have a 24/7 HVAC partner.
Contact us now to make sure you’re covered before an emergency strikes.
4. Are You Experienced with Specialized Equipment Like Boilers and Chillers?
Not all HVAC contractors are equipped to handle boilers or chillers. These systems require advanced diagnostics, proper installation procedures, and a deep understanding of energy management. If your facility uses specialized equipment, your contractor should have the training and tools to support it.
- Licensed boiler installation and repair
- Chiller maintenance, replacements, and tune-ups
- Experience in mission-critical and regulated environments
We specialize in boiler service and chiller solutions for schools, factories, distribution centers, and large commercial buildings. If you’re developing or upgrading your infrastructure, you’ll want to read our guide on how to build a reliable HVAC system from the ground up.
Let’s set up a site visit and system evaluation for your equipment.
5. Do You Offer Custom Piping or Welding Solutions?
Many commercial HVAC projects go beyond just installing units. When chilled water loops, steam systems, or mechanical retrofits are involved, your contractor should be capable of delivering safe, efficient piping solutions in-house.
- Custom piping design for chilled and hot water distribution
- Certified welding for stainless, copper, and black iron systems
- Process piping and industrial retrofits for complex facilities
Our piping and plumbing division handles complete design-builds and system upgrades for commercial and industrial spaces across Indiana. Whether you’re expanding a manufacturing line or renovating an older HVAC system, we can help.
Let’s talk about your upcoming piping or mechanical project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a commercial HVAC system be serviced?
Twice per year is the industry minimum—once before cooling season and once before heating. High-demand environments may require quarterly inspections.
What’s included in a commercial HVAC maintenance agreement?
Agreements typically include inspections, filter changes, belt adjustments, electrical checks, refrigerant testing, and compliance documentation.
Can Choice Mechanical manage large or multi-site commercial accounts?
Yes, we work with property managers, manufacturing facilities, and institutions across Indianapolis and Central Indiana to coordinate multi-building service plans.
What if I need after-hours emergency support?
We provide 24/7 emergency service to commercial clients 365 days a year, including holidays.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the right HVAC contractor comes down to more than pricing—it’s about partnership, transparency, and long-term value. At Choice Mechanical Services, we take pride in helping Indianapolis-area facility managers make informed, confident decisions about their HVAC infrastructure.
Ready to ask the right questions? Get in touch with our team today and experience a smarter, more strategic HVAC partnership.
