There are now over 119,000 heating and air conditioning contractors in the US. When you just need one company’s help, however, it pays to know what to look for. Otherwise, you could choose a team that lacks the experience you need.
Here are seven factors to consider before choosing an AC repair service. With this guide, you can make a more informed choice.
You can find someone with experience fixing AC units and feel confident that you can count on their expertise.
Don’t hire the first AC team you find online. Instead, find someone with relevant AC repair experience using these tips today.
1. Gather Referrals
First, talk to your friends, family members, and neighbors in the area. Ask if they’ve hired an AC repair service in the past. You can learn more from their previous experience.
Ask them if the AC repair company was professional and knowledgeable. Was the team on time?
Consider asking how long the service took, too.
It can help to find someone who has an AC unit similar to yours. Then, you can find a team with relevant AC repair experience.
As you speak with people in your inner circle, ask them if they came across any issues while working with the team. If so, how were those problems resolved?
Speaking with people you trust can help you find a company you can trust.
You can also rely on your inner circle to provide valuable insights you can’t find online.
If your friends and family members can’t point you in the right direction, that’s okay. Instead, start your search online. Google “best AC repair service near me.”
Then, start making a list of options to review further. The rest of these tips can help you narrow down your choices.
2. Look for Experience and Expertise
Before hiring an AC repair service, try to learn as much about each company as possible. Doing your due diligence can help you feel confident in your choice. Otherwise, you might unintentionally choose someone who lacks AC repair experience.
If they lack hands-on experience, they might make a costly mistake while working on your outdoor AC unit. They might even void your warranty.
Instead, look for a company that’s operated in the area for at least a few years. An established business won’t disappear overnight. It’s likely the company has gained the respect of other homeowners in the area, too.
Ask about their industry-specific experience. How long has the team worked in the industry?
What type of AC units do they work on? Consider finding a team that has experience with your make and model. If they don’t have experience with your brand or manufacturer, they might make mistakes.
Ask about their work process, too. Learning how they work can help you determine if they’re an experienced, efficient team.
Otherwise, a new business might still have kinks in their operations they need to work out.
3. Check Their Paperwork
It’s not enough to find someone with years of experience in the industry, though. Instead, make sure the company is licensed, too.
Make sure their license is up-to-date and relevant to your area. If they don’t have an updated license, scratch that company off your list.
Consider looking for a company that has bonding and insurance, too.
An insured company won’t hold you liable if someone is injured on the job. You also won’t have to pay out of pocket if they damage your property. Choosing an insured company will give you peace of mind.
Ask each company for proof that they have worker’s compensation insurance before you hire them.
4. Request References and Reviews
Once you found an AC repair service with experience fixing AC units, ask each company for references and reviews. Reading online reviews can help you learn more about each company. You’ll have peace of mind knowing other homeowners trust the same team.
You can find reviews on the company’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings.
Read reviews from each website. It’s normal to find one or two negative comments.
If the negative comments outweigh the good, however, scratch that company off your list. Instead, find a company with a strong professional reputation.
5. Consider Their Services
Take the time to ask each company about the services they offer, too. For example, do they only have experience fixing AC units? Do they offer installation services as well?
You could benefit from finding a team that’s capable of installing a new AC unit if you need one.
Consider finding a company that offers annual HVAC maintenance services, too.
Annual maintenance could extend the lifespan of your unit by 15 years. You could save valuable time and money by scheduling routine maintenance checks.
Ask the team if they can improve the unit’s energy efficiency, too. You can reduce costs by cutting back on your energy use.
6. Look for Special Offers
Before choosing an AC repair service, ask the company if they offer any special offers or discounts. Some companies can help you save money on repairs.
If they can’t offer a discount, that’s okay. At least you asked!
7. Review the Contract
Consider requesting quotes from at least three different AC companies on your list. Comparing repair fees can help you gauge the local average. Make sure you understand what’s included within each quote.
Costs can sometimes vary based on your location or the company’s AC repair experience.
Don’t rush to hire the cheapest option you find. Instead, remember you’re likely getting what you pay for.
Make sure the company is experienced and licensed. Cutting corners could do more harm than good. Remember, you don’t want the company to void the warranty on your unit.
Instead, make sure to review the contract before signing on the dotted line.
Best in the Business: 7 Tips for Finding the Best AC Repair Service
You don’t have to hire the first AC repair service you find. Instead, consider these seven factors during your search. With these tips, you can find someone with the AC repair experience you need.
They could save you valuable time and stress in the long run.
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