Your HVAC unit should have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If it starts struggling to function, you might notice a spike in your energy bills. Your family might start shivering through the winter, too.
Before that can happen, consider hiring the best heating repair company in town. Not sure how to choose a heater repair service? Here are eight questions to ask during your search.
Asking these questions will help you vet your options. You can find a team with the experience and expertise you need.
Discover the best heater repair services in town. Start asking the right questions with this helpful guide today!
1. How Long Have You Worked in the Industry?
There are now over 118,000 heating and air conditioning businesses in the US. Some teams have more experience than others, though. Before choosing a heating repair company, ask about their experience.
Determine how long each company has run and operated in the area. Try to find a long-established business and experienced team.
An experienced team will have an easier time answering their questions. They’ll know how to diagnose the problem with your unit, too. Then, they’ll consider the most effective fix for the problem.
A team that lacks experience, however, might struggle. They could waste your time and money as a result.
More experienced teams also know how to work efficiently. You wouldn’t have to worry about operational issues impacting your customer experience. Instead, an experienced team will operate like a well-oiled machine.
Make sure to determine who will arrive to work on your unit. Ask how long they’ve offered repair services. Determine how many units they’ve worked on over their years in the industry.
Ask if they have experience working on your make and model, too. An experienced technician won’t struggle to answer your questions.
You can feel more confident in a heating repair company that has the experience you need.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
When learning how to choose a heater repair service, it’s important to make sure the company has the right paperwork. First, make sure the company is licensed. Confirm that their paperwork is up-to-date, too.
Ask the company if they’re licensed to work on commercial and residential properties as well.
If the company isn’t licensed, don’t let them work on your unit. Otherwise, they could put the value of the unit at risk. In fact, they might even void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Then, ask the company if they’re insured. Ask if they have both worker’s compensation and general liability insurance.
Worker’s compensation will cover your interests if someone is injured on the job. You won’t have to take responsibility for medical bills or other expenses. Instead, the insurance will handle it.
General liability insurance will protect your interests if someone damages your property on the job.
Finding a company with both forms of insurance can give you peace of mind before they get started. Make sure their insurance policies are up-to-date, too.
3. What Services Do You Offer?
Before hiring a heating repair company, review the services they offer. For now, you might only need them to repair your unit. However, you could benefit from choosing a company that offers a range of services.
If you need help in the future, you’ll already know the company you called for repair services can help.
For example, some companies also offer:
- Air quality services
- Energy audits
- HVAC preventative maintenance
- Heating or cooling services
- Gas log installation
- Water heater repair
Try to prioritize companies that offer HVAC preventative maintenance plans. You can have an HVAC professional assess your unit once or twice a year. They can ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Your technician can spot potential problems before they develop into major complications. Routine maintenance can extend the lifespan of your unit. You won’t have to worry about paying for a brand new unit sooner than expected.
Think about the services you need. Ask each company how long they’ve offered each service, too. If they only recently started offering those services, keep searching.
Remember, you’ll want to find an experienced team. Make sure their experience is relevant to your needs.
4. Can You Provide Reviews?
If you want to find the best heater repair services in town, turn to other people who were once in your shoes. Look online for customer reviews. You can check the company’s Google My Business or BBB profile to get started.
Otherwise, ask the heating repair company for references.
Reading reviews can help you confirm the company offers top-notch services. Look for complaints that tend to repeat. For example, some people might complain the company takes too long to arrive.
Try to find a team that already has a strong reputation.
5. What Training Do You Have?
Before choosing a company, determine if the technicians are trained. A trained team will have an easier time offering the best services. They won’t struggle to pinpoint the root cause of the problem, either.
Determine if they keep their training up-to-date. Ask if they have other qualifications or certifications, too.
6. When Are You Available?
Ask each company when they’re available to work on your unit. If it’s going to take a few weeks, remove them from your list. Instead, find a company that’s responsive and available.
If you struggle to get a hold of someone at the company, remove them from your list as well.
7. Do You Have a Warranty?
Ask each company if they offer a warranty. Determine what they’ll do if the problem persists. Will you have to pay for them to return?
Ask if there are any exclusions you’ll need to consider, too.
8. How Much Will It Cost?
Get a quote from three different heater repair companies on your list. Determine what’s covered in their estimate.
Asking for more than one estimate can help you determine the average price for services in the area.
Select the Best: 8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Heater Repair Company
Don’t make the mistake of hiring an experienced heater repair company. Instead, ask these questions to vet your options. Asking these questions can ensure you find the right team for the job.
They’ll get your heater back up and running before temperatures start to drop.
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Contact our team today to get started.