The Essential Guide to Hiring an Air Conditioner Repair Service
Hiring an air conditioner repair service can feel like a daunting task. There are a lot of HVAC companies to choose from, and the last thing any homeowner wants is to pay a lot of money for bad service. It’s important to complete thorough research and find a repair company you can trust. If you live in Reston, VA then there’s no need to search “heating and ac companies near me,” instead, choose Cardinal Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. Give our team a call at (703) 651-2056 for top-notch service. Fortunately, there are reliable HVAC services out there – it just takes some time to find them. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
Know Your System
The first thing that you should do is get to know your system a little better. Answer these questions before you start calling HVAC companies:- What kind of HVAC system (type and brand) do I have?
- What service (maintenance, repair, replacement) do I need?
- What do I suspect is the problem?
- How soon do I need service?
Read Reviews and Check BBB
Reviews are always a good place to start when looking for a heating and cooling specialist. While Yelp and Google are great sources for customer reviews, you may also want to check the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Here, you can read customer reviews and view filed customer complaints. The BBB also provides a rating for each business based on a set of criteria. This is a quick and easy way to search for high quality companies.Find a Licensed and Insured Company
It’s always important to find a licensed company. Each state has different licensing requirements and levels, so be sure to do some research about what you state requires. In Virginia, for example, HVAC technicians have to be licensed as contractors. You should also check for insurance. HVAC companies may have general contractor insurance or HVAC contractor insurance. Either way, you should look for companies who are ready to protect themselves and you from unexpected damages.Consider Company Experience
Although this is not important to everyone, you should consider company experience. While a business with 5-15 years of experience is excellent, businesses with over 15 years are the ones you can tell have stood the test of time. HVAC service companies that have been in business for more than a decade are the ones who have built relationships with customers and vendors alike. They know the ins and outs of the industry and have probably come across just about every issue in the book. You may not want to choose an HVAC company solely on experience, but it should be high on your list of things to consider.Check Provided Services
When hiring an HVAC repair service, it’s nice to know that they can provide a variety of services. You’ll want to look for these services listed on their website:- Maintenance
- Air duct services (cleaning, replacement and repairs)
- Repairs
- Emergency service
- Indoor air quality improvements
- Accessory equipment installation
- Replacements
Look for Maintenance Plans and Financing
It’s never a bad idea to look for ways to save when it comes to HVAC services. Many HVAC companies are beginning to offer maintenance plans for members. These plans provide a variety of services, at a reduced cost. Maintenance plans also make it easier to schedule preventive maintenance. Financing is another important consideration. When the time comes for an air conditioner replacement, financing options will come in handy. You can also look for other financial benefits such as monthly coupons and special offers.Considerations for Getting an Estimate
Once you have chosen an HVAC repair company, you’ll need to get an estimate. There are two things you need to consider when it comes to estimates:- A great HVAC company will never give an estimate over the phone without seeing the unit first. They may offer a range, but they shouldn’t give a definitive number. The danger of over-the-phone estimates is that you may end up paying way more than you were told.
- You should always ask for an estimate in writing. Even better – ask for an estimate with an itemized list of costs. This will help you understand what you’re paying for before you decide to hire the company. It will also prevent the company from diverging too far from the original price.
