When it comes to selecting a contractor to address an issue in your home, it’s a big decision.Are they trustworthy? Will they do the job right? Are they going to charge me too much, or try to replace something that isn’t broken? These are fair concerns, as your home is your biggest investment, so it makes sense to carefully choose who you call when something needs fixed.
Especially when it comes to HVAC issues, knowing how to appropriately narrow down a heating and air conditioning contractor to call can go a long way in reducing the likelihood of a bad experience. Heating and cooling components are no small chunk of change, and the last thing you want to do is void the manufacturer warranty because of shoddy work. Playing it smart could save you more cost and headache in the long-run, and potentially help you find a trusted HVAC contractor who will be your go-to moving forward.
Tips for Finding a Quality Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor
- Ask for Credentials – Are they licensed and insured? This is a great question to ask to get an indication of how professional they are and how much protection they’ve built into their HVAC company for both you and for them.
- Cheaper Isn’t Always Better – We’ve all heard the phrase “You get what you pay for,” right? Well, it’s true. You can always find someone offering the lowest price in the area, but HVAC companies who staff trained technicians, offer high-quality equipment and services, and who stand behind their work are far more valuable in the long run. Pay now or pay later, as they say.
- Go Local – Relying on a local contractor can go a long way in ensuring that the technician looking at your A/C or heater is familiar with regional conditions and stressors that could impact the performance of your system. They’ll make appropriate repairs and recommendations that make sense for where you’re located.
- Reviews Matter – Check out the real customer reviews for the company/contractor on sites like Angie’s List or Yelp. Also look into their Better Business Bureau rating. These can give you an indication of the customer service experience, which can be as important as the repairs themselves. Keep in mind that reviews generally capture the best and the worst, so consider the age of the review and the ratio of great to so-so feedback.
And at the end of the day, trust your gut! If you don’t like talking to them on the phone or can’t ever get anyone to call you back, move on. There are plenty of quality heating and air conditioning contractors out there who truly want to be there for you.