Anyone that has ever had issues with their HVAC system, will tell you that getting repairs done or replacing their system will take a lot of time and money. Take some time to look at the basics and understand what is related to the costs that are associated with your HVAC repairs or replacement. It is good to know if parts and labor are covered by the costs of the repairs. If you go into this process without all of the information, you can easily pay a lot more for your repairs than you had expected.
Before you finally find a company in Arizona to provide the needed repairs for your HVAC system you have to do your research and compare your options to make sure that you are getting a service provider that will not charge you more than what you should pay for. This is one of the biggest mistakes that many people tend to make in their search for a service provider to handle their HVAC repair needs. Just because the company seems to have a good deal for you, does not always mean that it is the best route to go. There may be a better option that is ideal for you. Here are 12 tips for hiring the best:
1. Learn More
First of all, do some research. Familiarize yourself with your system so that you know the type, brand, model, and maintenance history. Determine if there are any rooms that are particularly uncomfortable so that you have a rough idea of the extent of the problem. This will help guide your search.
Becoming familiar with your air conditioning or heating unit has other perks as well. The more time you spend learning about your specific unit, the more confident you will become when diagnosing any potential problems that you may come across. This knowledge could end up saving you money down the road.
For trickier tasks, however, it is always a good idea to let a professional take over. It may cost you more money upfront, but will end up saving money by ensuring that the repair is done correctly the first time. This means the future will not require frequent fixes.
2. Look Carefully
How do you find a repair company? Start by asking around. See if there are any contractors that your friends or family have experience with and can recommend. If that doesn’t produce any results, try an online search or a review site. These sites are handy because they provide information about the personal experiences of people who have hired the particular technician before, so you know that the information is accurate. If there are many poor reviews or no reviews, then that’s reason for concern.
Also, check your local “Better Business Bureau (BBB)” or “Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AROC)” to see if the technician you’re considering has any past complaints. From there, you can decide based on credentials, availability, or costs. ( At AC Experts, we pride ourselves on an A+ rating with the BBB.)
3. Seek Out Experience
Find out how much experience your potential contractor has either by contacting them directly or checking their website. Some relevant questions to consider about their expertise include:
- How long have they been in business?
- Are they full-time or part-time contractors?
- What experience do they have with your system in particular?
- Do they have any areas of special expertise?
- What continuing education or training have they had recently to keep up with changing technology?
You’ll definitely want a professional, full-time contractor working on your home, and it’s best if they have experience with your specific HVAC model. If your system has any special features (such as cutting-edge designs or very old parts) then try to find a contractor who has worked on similar systems before. (AC Experts is proud to employ quality certified technicians.)
4. Learn About Legal Compliance
Your contractor needs a license. Ask them for their license number—in most areas you can look up business licenses to see if they are current. In some places you may also be able to find records of past jobs.
Also check to see if the company has proof of insurance, particularly liability and worker’s compensation coverage. If they don’t, then you could be held responsible for any accidents on your property. There should be a one-page certificate of insurance that you can verify. (Our ROC – business license is available upon request and is noted on all of our contracts.)
5. Be Specific
Ask the contractor any job-specific questions you might have. This is where it pays off to do your research—you’ll be able to learn about what options you might have and whether the contractor is equipped to deal with them. Does the job need to be completed quickly? Are there multiple ways to repair your system? What type of equipment do they plan to use?
6. Ask About Brands
If you’re looking for new or replacement air conditioner or heating equipment , be sure to ask the technician what brands or manufacturers they carry. If you have your heart set on a specific make or model, then be sure that the company you choose carries that model. If all you’re looking for is a few repairs, make sure they have parts that are compatible with your current brand.
7. Go Green
If conservation is important to you, be sure to ask the company about their environmental friendliness. Find out what they do to promote energy and water conservation, and whether they carry Energy Star qualified products. A good HVAC technician should be able to provide you information about the efficiency of the system and its environmental impacts.
8. Calculate the Cost
Get a written, itemized estimate from each potential contractor, and make sure that it includes factors such as the labor and materials cost, potential energy saving, warranties, and tax rebates (available for many energy-efficient options).
Keep in mind the difference between the upfront costs and long-term costs. If your energy costs are going to increase after installation, then picking the cheapest technician might not make financial sense in the long run. If the company you’re considering offers any special deals, take those into account too. (AC Expert’s mission is to delivery quality service at a fair price.)
9. Find Out About Financing
On a related note, find out about the payment schedule. Particularly big jobs might require a deposit and incremental payments, which can complicate matters financially. Be sure that you read all the fine print and find out exactly what costs you will be responsible for; also double-check that you can afford to add the regular payments to your budget. (AC Experts offers financing with multiple lenders for you to have the best option offered.)
10. Work Together
You should expect an evaluation of your home from any contractor. The technician should spend significant time inspecting your system and house, so that they can determine what your air conditioning or heating needs are. Insulation, square footage, and home layout are all important considerations, as well as whether you have any potential leaks in your duct system. If a technician is not willing to work closely with you and evaluate the situation before the project begins, then that’s a red flag.
Finding the right person to repair or replace your air conditioning or heating unit can seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Use these handy tips to find a good technician and protect your investment in your home.
Choosing AC Experts will give you the highest quality service at a reasonable price. Our expert technicians will always answer all of your questions and work efficiently and professionally at your home.
Call and make an appointment today. 480-386-6980
