Your HVAC system supports comfortable, clean air in your home, and most people feel pretty miserable when it fails or stops working. If you do routine DIY maintenance such as filter replacement, you probably have no fixed relationship with an air conditioning company. During the summer, many of the most established and recognized repair specialists have long waits to visit a technician. How do you find an air conditioning professional to help you?
Desperation can make it tempting to call the first repair provider you come across. However, this can damage your wallet and your system in the long run. You must know that the technician is an expert in diagnosing, repairing and / or replacing your device. Otherwise, you could end up paying for services that cause bigger problems than solving existing problems. Do not worry. The following tips will help you quickly find the right company for your air conditioning disaster. For more details and to consult a technician, check the GMR Mechanical HVAC
Tips for finding and reviewing an HVAC company
1. Use local entries and directories
Use a local Google search to identify local HVAC repair companies using the keywords + of your region. Local websites and directories like Angie's List, HomeAdvisor, US AC Repair, Yelp, etc. are a great place to gather potential and see what previous consumers have to say about a company's service, pricing, and reliability. Make a list of those with the best reputations, but keep in mind that reviews can be skewed both negatively and positively. Some companies pay for positive user reviews, and other companies may have a negative rating caused by a customer whose unrealistic expectations are more than the actual poor service. Use the information, but do so with a grain of salt.
2. Check your list of potentials
Now dig deeper. The Better Business Bureau and your local chamber of commerce and the Department of Consumer Affairs can identify legitimate consumer complaints against a company. Contact your local government agency for building contractors and building associations to determine if local complaints have been filed against a company. These agencies can also tell you what licenses and insurance policies are required by contractors in your state.
Never work with a contractor who does not meet all requirements. Without general liability insurance and employee compensation, you (the homeowner) can be legally liable for accidents on your property. Heating and cooling technicians should be certified by key organizations that validate knowledge and training, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and North American Technician Excellence (NATE).
Determine the manufacturer of your existing air conditioner and call that manufacturer to ensure that the companies on your list are approved and authorized by the manufacturer. This means that they meet the professional requirements of this brand and have the qualifications required to repair and install their products. If you suspect that your device may need to be replaced, you should of course also call your preferred replacement brand.
3. Get in touch with your list of potentials
You've probably narrowed your list down to a handful of potential by the time you get to this step. It's time to get in touch. Notice how the customer representative treats you. Are they intrusive verses helpful? Are you busy planning services or listening to and answering your questions? How you will be treated before you are a customer is a good indication of how you will be treated as a customer. If questions with answers to marketing verses are answered, it may be best to move to another prospect.
Your first question should be which manufacturers the company works with and whether it is a full service provider, that is, they maintain, repair and install for the brand. Quality providers usually specialize in two to three brands. Less means that the company is likely to hold a particular manufacturer's interest above that of its customer. In the meantime, working with too many manufacturers can signal that the company is not invested in providing "mastery" service. Have you heard the saying that you are an all-rounder and not a master? If the company works with your brand, ask if the company can provide you with references. These are past customers who can confirm that the company offers professional, affordable, and timely service. Avoid companies that cannot make such recommendations.
Ask about the prices for service calls. HVAC companies often offer special offers and deals, especially in the off-season. But it is a big red flag when a certain company is significantly cheaper than the others. You will find that reputable air conditioning technicians generally charge about the same fees for a service call and their estimates are not that far apart. Everything else signals that a company is cutting back and / or plans to hide fees and charges in your service quote. Speaking of service estimates / offers… If you can get an invisible repair offer from an HVAC company over the phone, this is a gigantic red flag. There is absolutely no way that an air conditioning technician can give you an accurate repair estimate or quote without examining the equipment and diagnosing the exact problems.
Finally, ask who will perform and appreciate the service call. Will this be the same person doing the repairs? If not, are the subcontractors or follow-up engineers qualified, certified and licensed? Will all workers have appropriate uniforms and ID cards and have passed a thorough background check?
4. Know how to pay
In good faith, deposits may be required if the order is custom or involves expensive custom work. Otherwise, most HVAC contractors will request payment gradually or at the end of the order. Ask if the company is looking for incentives, discounts, and / or credits for repairs and upgrades that your device may need. The most ethically correct HVAC companies will show you the replaced parts when exchanging payments.
5. Does the company offer 24/7 support?
Quality companies ensure that customers can contact them around the clock in emergencies, especially after a repair or reinstallation. Ask if you are being directed to an actual technician or if you only have one answering machine. The ability to achieve live technology is invaluable. In many cases, minor problems and questions can be solved by phone without an appointment for a service call.
6. What was your estimate for HVAC repair?
As soon as you have decided on a company, plan a service call date. The technician conducts a thorough assessment and offers a quote for the repair and / or replacement of the HVAC system based on its results. Here are some questions you should ask yourself:
- Did the technician show up on time?
- Did he / she have the right tools and equipment for the evaluation?
- Has the technician been able to explain your air conditioning problem and the proposed solution is clear, precise and understandable?
- Has the technician discussed guarantees, warranties and service contract terms?
- Has the technician discussed factors that are likely to have caused the problem and offered further assessments and solutions?
- Did the technician offer a written contract with project costs, work schedule, warranty information, parts, etc. to start working?
- Do you feel comfortable and safe with the technician?
The answers should all be yes.
Are you ready to plan your HVAC repair?
Finally, this should make finding and selecting the ideal HVAC service and repair technician child's play. Here too, estimates between reputable HVAC companies should not be far away if they have done their job correctly and honestly. Less the review, brand expertise, and experience, the main difference in your selection is your convenience in providing the service that comes from a technician who is always available to solve your problems and communicate with you.
