As a business owner, you have enough on your plate without having to worry about what you would do in a heating or cooling emergency. To avoid such a problem, it’s important to ensure that your equipment is properly maintained throughout the year. However, you need to establish a good working relationship with a local HVAC company first. This isn’t always easy, especially if you’re a first-time business owner or you’ve never been responsible for hiring a heating and cooling contractor.
Before you start looking, keep in mind that you don’t just want a company to fix something one time. You want an HVAC provider you can call on at any time, whether it’s for routine advice or you need help with an emergency situation.
Here are some additional factors to consider as you evaluate local heating and cooling contractors:
- The company should display professionalism and transparency by displaying its state and federal registration numbers, insurance information, customer feedback, and any trade organizations it belongs to. HVAC dealers that have a high number of technicians who have earned certification from the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) program are especially desirable. This shows that the organization supports employee development and expects superior performance.
- The HVAC company you choose for your business should guarantee its work with a satisfaction guarantee. That means its technicians will put in additional work at no charge until you are completely satisfied with it. Before you hire a heating and cooling company for the first time, be sure to check its rating with your local Better Business Bureau. The BBB grades each organization from A to F in addition to listing outstanding and resolved complaints against the company.
- HVAC maintenance agreements save you time and money, so make sure the company you establish a relationship with offers them. Ideally, the preventive maintenance plan should entitle you to an equipment check-up every spring and fall. At each appointment, a technician works from a detailed checklist to make sure that your air conditioner and furnace are in good shape for the summer and winter seasons.
Trust is Equally Important
You should always feel like your HVAC dealer has the best interests of your business at heart and not its own. For example, a company that applies high-pressure sales tactics to get you to buy a new piece of heating or cooling equipment rather than fix the one you have is one to avoid. Every employee, from technicians to the president of the organization, should be honest and treat you with respect at all times. That means explaining things in terms you can understand and answering your questions before proceeding with any work.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for references from previous customers and to trust your own instincts when selecting an HVAC dealer to help keep your business running.
