Hiring an AC repair service can be daunting if you have never had to do it before. There is a wide range of businesses to choose from, ranging from small time contractors to large businesses. Knowing where to look and what to look for is a crucial part of contracting the right repair service. If you are not sure where to begin, heating and cooling manufacturers’ websites often provide an independent dealer locator. This gives contact information and key details for contractors near you. Once you have a list to look at, it is time to choose one. Besides finding someone who is honest and knows what they are doing, there are other factors to consider as well.
What Should You Look for in an AC Repair Company?
Trust
There is no way to quantify how trustworthy a company is, despite how important trust is when hiring a contractor. Spending time talking to the company and technicians can help put your mind at ease though. They should be willing to take the time to answer your questions and help you get all the information you need. If they aren’t willing to answer questions, they probably aren’t the Johnson City AC repair service for you.
Budget-friendly
Budget-friendly does not always mean the lowest prices, but at least reasonable ones. Saving money is important and so is getting the job done right. As you look at the different companies, there are probably several with similar pricing. Someone priced much lower than that might not offer the best services. Be wary of a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Personal Assistance
How is their customer service? Do you have to leave a message and just hope they get back to you? Ask how the after-hours service works. Request information such as who to call, and what is the service agreement for getting someone out as soon as possible.
Referrals
Even in the age of the internet, word-of-mouth is the best way to get helpful tips on what company to hire. Ask the people you know about what company they use; their glowing reviews are a good indicator. If no one you personally know has one, inquire with local forums like Nextdoor or local Facebook pages. The Better Business Bureau is always a suitable place to look for reviews on companies.
Licensing
In Tennessee, a HVAC technician is not required to have a license, but it is highly recommended that they be certified. Their projects do have to be overseen by a licensed contractor. Enquire about the certifications and licenses obtained by the team of technicians. Visit www.hvaccertification.org to learn more about the state requirements for HVAC contractors.
Insurance
Tennessee requires all contractors to have a minimum level of insurance to operate. Even the safest, most trustworthy company has accidents occasionally. The AC repair business should have at least workers comp and third-party liability insurance before starting a job. It is perfectly acceptable to ask if they have insurance and then confirm. The policies are in place to not just protect you but them as well.
Favorable Record
No number of promises or pretty ads will cover up for a company that does not follow through. Check their track record before signing on the dotted line. Ask for references and records of previous jobs. Speak to people who have used this company before and ask if they would hire them again and what issues they may have encountered.
Consistency
Do their employees complete the same checks no matter who is doing it? There should be an inspection checklist completed each time. If the results are inconsistent from one technician to the next, your service quality will suffer.
Warranty
Do they offer a warranty for their services? Not only does this show they are confident in their ability to do the job right, but they are also willing to fix any mistakes they might make.
ACCA
Inquire with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This organization represents HVAC contractors and allows people to use a searchable database of its members. Visit their site to learn more.
Documentation
The technician assigned to do the job should give written documentation of work done during each visit. Price and work quotes should be in writing and a copy made for you to keep for your records.
