The HVAC unit is one of the most used components of for any household. Thus, it’s crucial always to keep it functioning effectively. Apart from regular maintenance tasks such as replacing the air filters and monitoring the thermostats, it’s still better to call on professional help for any advanced air conditioning repair you may require. A reliable technician is qualified to diagnose the unit and recommend the necessary fixes.
For any homeowners, going through a list of local HVAC companies might be daunting. You have to identify, compare, evaluate, and eventually work with your chosen contractor. How do you know which one to pick?
We’ve rounded up some helpful tips to guide you through the process of seeking out first-rate HVAC companies and how to best deal with them. We hope this guide can help ensure the comfort of your home.
Use Reliable Resources
Aside from searching online and creating a list of contenders, you can reach the Better Business Bureau, the board of contractors’ association in your state, or even the Department of Consumer Affairs or your local Chamber of Commerce to verify their reputations. You should steer away from companies with a significant number of outstanding complaints on their file.
Professional Standards
Reliable HVAC companies have professional standards. They are prompt, courteous, and respectful. What their office or shop look, how they talk to you on the phone are good signs to watch out for when it comes to how high their professional standards are.
Customer Testimonials
You can read through customers’ online reviews to check, but if you want to be thorough, why not ask an HVAC company for customer references and try to reach them. You can ask about how the installation went, if the service was completed on schedule and if it’s within budget.
Good Communicator
A reliable HVAC technician should be able to clearly explain any problem your unit has and what he’ll be doing to correct these issues. As a customer, you may not fully understand the technicalities and complexities that an air conditioning repair process involved. However, a knowledgeable and professional technician should communicate these points with you in terms that you can perceive.
Proper Assessment
You will want to choose a heating and cooling company that makes the time to do an accurate assessment of your home. Watch out for contractors willing to provide you a quote or an estimate over the phone or through email. A professional technician will need to do a physical inspection of your home and the unit to see what it looks like and what the plan of action will entail.
Too Good to Be True
If it sounds too good to be true, it’s because it probably is. While HVAC companies run deals and seasonal specials year-round, what you have to watch out for are companies that promote service calls that are substantially cheaper or even no charge at all than their local counterparts. This tactic is known to get you by charging you with other replacement or repair fees. Additionally, quotes or price estimates are too low are usually a sign of a contractor cutting corners.
Licensed and Certified
The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is a known and reputable organization within the HVAC community in the country. NATE sees to it that heating and cooling company that has fulfilled their requirements is always updated on all industry standards for first-rate installation and maintenance. Additionally, a qualified HVAC technician should have had proper technical training – whether it’s an on-the-job training, vocational course, or a certification program at a trade or technical school.
Payment Schedule
Be wary of technicians who try to push for a portion of the total air conditioning repair cost in advance or if they ask for payment in advance to procure specific equipment to complete the service. This is particularly true if it was the technician who made the initial contact. Work should be paid in stages or when the job is completed. If there is a specialized, custom work needed, a deposit may be required. Always trust your instincts and use your good judgment when faced with this situation.
Insurance, Rebates, Incentives
It’s worth looking how an HVAC company goes about conducting rebates and incentives and what their liability insurance is. State insurance requirements will depend on the company’s type of license and what the incorporation status is. If no insurance requirement is needed, make sure to check if the contractor has obtained liability insurance and ask for a copy of their insurance certificate. Rebates and incentives can help save you money by offsetting the air conditioning repair costs and upgrades.
