five things you should consider when hiring an HVAC company
When your air conditioner breaks down, it can feel like the worst thing in the world, especially during the warmer months. Not having a properly functioning air conditioner when temperatures soar can impede productivity, whether in the workplace or at home. There’s no doubt that it can feel like an emergency that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. If you’re looking for an air conditioning service, there are important aspects of air conditioning repair that should not be undervalued. Let’s look at five things you should consider when hiring an HVAC company.
Is It a Problem That You Can Resolve?
If you have central air that suddenly stops working, it might be difficult to figure out what happened. When it first happens, you’ll probably want to do a little troubleshooting to see if the issue is something that’s obvious and can be resolved on your own. For instance, you can change the filters, check to see if the condenser is dirty, or reset the circuit breaker. Obviously, the goal is to get your air conditioner up and running as soon as possible. air conditioning units can be complicated when it comes to pinpointing a problem, which is why there’s a good chance you’ll need to call an expert.
Hiring someone to fix your HVAC unit can be worth the time and money spent since not having a functional air conditioner can negatively affect your comfort. In fact, it can have a devastating effect on children and the elderly. If you’ve completed basic troubleshooting and could not uncover the problem, it’s probably time to call for help. Once you’ve made the decision to contact a professional, it’s a good idea to have information about the history of any repairs that have already been completed on the HVAC system.
What Are the Company’s Qualifications?
When seeking air conditioning maintenance and repair company, you’ll want to ensure the company has the proper licensing that’s required in North Carolina. It would also be beneficial if they possessed credentials that are not required, but demonstrate expertise, such as the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. The NATE credential will confirm their abilities in the areas of ventilation systems, refrigerant levels, electrical wiring and airflow ducts. It’s simply a way of making sure you hire a company that’s truly qualified.
What’s the Reputation of the HVAC Company?
It doesn’t require a lot of research to find out a company’s reputation in the industry. You can simply perform a quick online search to see how long they have been in business and whether they have satisfied customers. Whether you consult Yelp, Google, Facebook, or any other online source, it’s best to choose a company with a solid reputation. If you conduct an online search for an HVAC company, you’re likely to find a lot of options because it’s a very competitive field.
Given the number of available options, you shouldn’t have a hard time identifying a company with stellar reviews and longevity in the area. Another way to find an HVAC company with a good reputation is by asking friends, family members and acquaintances for a recommendation. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints about the company that you’re thinking about hiring.
Did You Get Estimates for Repairs?
When you’re in a hurry to get your air conditioner repaired, it’s tempting to go with the first company that you find in order to restore your system and get back to normal. This isn’t always the best way to handle the situation. Why? Because it can become costly. It’s better to obtain three estimates before making a decision. Not only should you get these estimates, but you should also make sure everything is in writing.
Do You Have a air conditioning Maintenance Plan?
One of the main reasons why people have problems with their HVAC system is because they do not have a air conditioning maintenance plan. It’s always better to prevent a major problem rather than repair one. Having your HVAC system inspected on a regular basis is a great way to reduce the risk of it breaking down during the worst part of the year. Perhaps just as important, it can prevent you from having to spend money to replace a system that has not been maintained. Once you identify an HVAC company that you trust, they can assist you with preventative maintenance.
