Tips on Finding and Hiring the Right HVAC Company
For many homeowners, finding the right HVAC company can be tricky. With so many HVAC companies to choose from nowadays, it can be difficult to pick who to trust and work with. To ensure you can pick an HVAC company with the best trained service technicians, keep the following helpful tips in mind:
Ask for Recommendations
Searching for a reputable HVAC company does not have to be stressful. And you don’t have to do it all on your own. One of the best ways to start your search would be to reach out to family members and friends. Ask them who they go to, and more importantly, ask them why.
What makes asking for recommendations ideal is that your friends and family have no strings attached. You can honestly share your HVAC issues and concerns without worrying about people trying to upsell or rip you off.
Find out as much as you can about the HVAC companies they recommend and the services they offer. Make it a point to learn as much as you can about the essentials—their pricing rates, their overall quality of work, and their level of professionalism.
Read Client Testimonials and Reviews
One great way to check if you are on the right track would be to read client testimonials and reviews. This can help ensure you are getting the service you expect. In the reviews, you can read about the good, the bad, and the ugly about the HVAC companies you are considering.
On the reviews page, you can also get some insights into how professional they work, the quality of work they deliver, and how prompt their technicians are, among other things. It is important to remember that while sometimes used interchangeably, reviews and testimonials are different.
Testimonials highlight the best of the best feedback from clients. While the insights can be valuable, it is recommended that you check third-party reviews on Google and other sites to see what clients with less-than-stellar experiences have to say.
Check for Licensing
Checking for the licensing is straightforward. Typically, HVAC companies display their licensing on their business cards, websites, and even their trucks. That said, you won’t have to second guess if you are working with a potential scammer or a trusted professional.
Find Out How Long They Have Been in Business
Would you want a lawyer who just passed the BAR exam to represent you? Or would you like a doctor who just graduated to perform major surgery on you? Most likely not. In the same manner, it’s not ideal to hire an HVAC company that just started out. It does not mean, however, that new HVAC companies are not trustworthy.
However, it is likely that new players in the industry won’t have the same level of expertise as those companies that have been around for a significant amount of time. Undeniably, it is always ideal to go with companies with more experience. Knowing you are working with a seasoned company will also give you peace of mind, knowing you are in good hands.
Ask Questions and Be Specific
During a consultation with a prospect, ask the right questions. Doing so can help you fill in the gaps that you could not cover during your initial research. For instance, you can ask how knowledgeable their technicians are.
Even if you know nothing about HVAC, asking questions can give you an insight into the technician’s ability to troubleshoot and fix any HVAC issues. Plus, you might just learn a thing (or two) about proper HVAC care.
Get Everything in Writing
Before a technician leaves after a consultation, ask if they can provide a form or list where you can find all the possible charges. This can make it easier for you to keep track of the numbers when you need to make comparisons.
You can also refer to the documents in case you notice some upcharge or accidental double charge. You can also refer to the initial quote to ensure all the charges are within the initial quote provided. It can also come in handy if you need to dispute your bill.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best HVAC company to work with can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time. Fortunately, with the tips laid out above, finding the right HVAC company can get a lot easier.
About the author
Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Rachel enjoys yoga and writing articles about how to make home living more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
I loved that you said that you could reach out to family members and friends to find a reputable HVAC company. My husband and I will surely consider this since we want a new heating and cooling unit installed for our new house. We want a unit that can efficiently work so we can save money in the long run, so we will be sure to do your tips.
Thank you for the reply Shammy. Are you in the Atlanta area? If so, send me your email address and I’m happy to refer a top-notch HVAC company to you.
Shane
I like how you mentioned that it is a good idea to ask the right questions when you are looking for an HVAC contractor. With that in mind, it could be a good idea to write down the questions you want to ask that way you don’t forget them. You wouldn’t want to forget the questions you want to ask when you are on the phone with an HVAC contractor.
My air conditioner has been making excessive noise since last night, so I plan to get it checked immediately before the situation gets worse. Thanks for letting me know that most HVAC companies display their licenses for clients to see on their business cards, websites, and even their trucks. I’ll keep this in mind while I look for an air conditioning contractor to hire.
It sure was helpful when you said that you must check the license of an HVAC company to ensure that you will only work with a trusted professional. My husband and I are interested in having a new HVAC unit installed in our newly renovated two-story house next week. Since we want to ensure that the installation is going to be completed right the first time, we will do your tips.
Asking for a paper or list including all possible charges from a technician before they depart following a consultation is reasonable. You clarified that when you need to make comparisons, this can help you remember the numbers more easily. It’s a big investment, so I’ll do this as I search for a reliable AC service that will assist me in maintaining my new unit!