Are you looking to hire a HVAC company for maintence or repair? If so, there are several things you need to consider first.
Some businesses are better than others in any industry, and this is the same for HVAC companies. Certain ones are honest, reputable, and give value for money, whereas others should be avoided completely.
But how can you separate the good from the bad?
Well, there are many factors to consider before hiring a HVAC company. By doing this, you can choose wisely and be pleased with the results.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know when carrying out your search. We’ll not only advise on what to look for but why it’s necessary.
You can even refer back to this for future use if you can’t make up your mind.
Read on for more information.
Ask for Proof of a License
The first question you should ask when talking to HVAC companies is, are you licensed? If the answer is no, then walk away immediately. But even if they say yes, ask to see proof.
A lot of professional HVAC installers claim to be licensed when in fact, they’re not. Not only is this dishonest but, it can cause severe problems if anything goes wrong.
For instance, if they’re not licensed and they cause damage to the system or your property, insurance providers won’t payout. As a result, this may cost you a fortune in extra repairs.
We also suggest choosing a NATE-certified technician for extra peace of mind.
NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence and is a nonprofit certification organization. The benefit of this is a NATE certified technician is up to date on the latest education.
Ask About Their Experience
It doesn’t matter if you need a system installation or AC repair; you should always enquire about their experience.
Ask questions such as:
- How long have you been doing this type of work?
- How long have you been in business?
- Have you just recruited new technicians?
Whilst having a great deal of experience doesn’t guarantee they’ll do a great job, it means they’re doing something right.
Businesses that offer the best customer service tend to last the longest. That’s why certain companies have lasted through very challenging times.
So, we do recommend that you search for HVAC companies that have established themselves. The odds are that they’ll provide a better service than the new kids on the block.
Ask for Recommendations
You may feel lost and overwhelmed by the amount of HVAC companies to choose from. As a result, it’s easy to become fatigued and go with the first one you see.
But, this is a dangerous strategy and may leave you regretting your decision.
Instead, ask friends and family who they think is the best HVAC company in the local area. Not only can they help to create a shortlist but, they’re going to give you unbiased opinions.
This is a fantastic way of truly separating the best from the worst.
Ask them who they usually hire and what their experience was like. If they feel strongly about a company, then you’ve likely found somebody superb.
Plus, it’s always useful if your friend or family member personally knows a HVAC technician. Not only are you usually in much safer hands but, you may be offered a discount as well.
Read Lots of Customer Reviews
Every company claims that they’re the best in their industry, and they offer an unmatched service. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for most.
So once again, how can you separate the best from the worst?
Well, apart from recommendations, you should also look at customer reviews. If somebody has had a bad experience, they’ll often be happy to share it online.
The benefit of this is it gives a good insight into how the company operates and its customer service. If a company has many negative reviews and low ratings, it’s a clear sign you should avoid them.
Where Can You Find Online Reviews?
The best place to look for reviews is on Google. Many businesses have Google My Business pages, and customers generally write reviews here.
The only thing you should be aware of is some reviews may be fake. Trolls or rival businesses may write fake reviews to damage a business’s reputation. A way to spot these is to look out for reviews that look very similar.
Get a Home Evaluation
This is only relevant if you are looking for a system installation. A professional HVAC installer should carry out a home evaluation before quoting.
This is because they need to look at your home and consider the best heating and cooling solution. Every home is different, so your neighbor’s system may not be ideal for you and vice versa.
At the end of the evaluation, you should be given a written itemized estimate. This will include things like costs, warranties and, energy efficiency.
Compare Prices
We all like to find bargains, but sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best.
You want to be cautious if a HVAC company offers you a meager price. Sometimes this can indicate they’re not licensed or uninsured.
As we mentioned before, it’s vital you hire someone who ticks all the boxes. Otherwise, you may end up paying a lot more in the long run.
How to Choose The Best HVAC Company?
As you can see, there are many factors you need to consider when hiring a HVAC company.
By following everything we have suggested, you should land someone honest, professional, and reputable. Remember, an HVAC system is expensive, so you want it to work efficiently. Don’t compromise on quality just to save a few dollars.
Finally, check out our blog for some useful home and interior tips.