Finding a reputable HVAC repair company doesn’t have to be difficult. Instead, focus on your research to ensure you choose a reliable, professional AC contractor who won’t take advantage of your wallet.
Whether for your home or your business, it’s crucial to find someone you can trust and who has all the right credentials. Consider these tips for settling on a dependable local HVAC repair company.
Check Professional and Industry Organizations
Shopping around for a contractor means you have to ensure they’re reliable. Part of being trustworthy is being backed up by well-known organizations within the HVAC industry. Make sure your contractor is NATE-certified and has a good standing with the Better Business Bureau. You may also want to check on membership with the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Check out Recommendations and Referrals
In addition to asking friends and family for word of mouth recommendations, use social media to your advantage for referrals. Like their page on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. People have a tendency to post reviews when they receive poor service, as well as when they enjoy excellent service. Read online reviews and check out sites like Yelp to find out what people are saying.
Call Each Company
Once you have narrowed down your list to a few HVAC contractors, it’s time to call each one and ask some questions. Some good questions to ask include:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What guarantees and warranties do you offer to back up your services and products?
- Can you give me a free estimate?
- What manufacturers do you use and why?
- Does my air conditioning purchase include routine maintenance and repairs?
- Are you available in an emergency?
- Do you have flexible hours and easy-to-book appointments?
- Do you have special offers? Energy Star recommends asking for rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR-qualified heating and cooling equipment to save money.
On-the-Job Assurance
Congratulations, you’ve chosen a contractor! Don’t let your guard down now, though. You should still make sure your professional AC contractor has all the proper building permits before beginning any work. Don’t assume this will be done—ask. Make sure your contractor plans to conduct a professional load calculation before installation. This is because buildings and homes tend to settle and crack over time, which could cause your HVAC unit to perform improperly.
Lastly, be sure to set up regular maintenance and service appointments with your contractor to keep your unit in tip-top shape.
