August may be over, but the heat is still in full force and your AC unit has probably been working overtime all season.
If it seems like you’ve got a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning unit, or if the airflow seems limited, it may be time for a new system.
But air conditioning units are an important home investment, and you want to make sure you’re hiring a professional who will do a quality job at a reasonable price.
How do you ensure you hire the right professional?
How do you know if you’re hiring someone who will meet your needs, comply with regulations, and ensure your home is both comfortable and energy efficient for years to come?
By keeping these five tips in mind, you’ll be sure to have your bases covered when choosing an air conditioning service provider.
1. Research Your Needs
Does your AC unit make too much noise?
Or maybe it just doesn’t get the temperature down like it used to?
Before you contact an HVAC company, you’ll want to research not only your unit and its history but also the type of solution you’re looking for.
The more prepared you are before you contact an AC service provider, the easier it will be for you to determine if they can help you with your particular issue and how knowledgeable they are.
2. Understand the Licensing and Insurance Regulations In Your Area
Having a properly licensed and insured professional install your HVAC system is a must if you want to have the job done safely and thoroughly.
But in order to ensure that you’re working with a professional business, you’ll need to know which certifications are required in your local area. A government official should be able to tell you which licenses your state requires contractors to have.
When you first meet your HVAC professional, don’t be afraid to ask to see copies of their licensing and certification. It’s very risky to have an amateur working on your home’s gas lines or incorrectly disposing of old units.
Considering the risk of damage and injury when working with electrical lines and plumbing, a good professional will have no problem sharing proof of their expertise. When you review their certification, you should be able to see their license numbers clearly on any paperwork they present.
It’s also a good idea to make sure the HVAC company you’re working with is fully insured in case they are injured or your property is damaged during an installation.
If you choose to work with someone unlicensed or uninsured, just remember that there’s no guarantee that the job will be done correctly or safely.
3. Look For A Business That Deals Only Quality Products
If you’re upgrading your unit, you don’t want just any replacement. You want something better than your old AC!
Because technology is always changing, new AC models run more efficiently, save more energy, and last longer than ever before.
Never be afraid to ask your HVAC professional what kind of products they carry and why.
Be sure to give them the details of your home, your biggest needs, and include any problems you’re currently having. After an evaluation, a good company should be able to explain which products may be right for you and how they will improve the issues you face.
4. Ask For A Written Contract
Before beginning a job, a good air conditioning service provider should lay out all of the details of your project in writing or in a contract.
It’s always best to hold off on any payments until you can review a written document that explains the details of your project including labor, equipment, fees, and the intricacies of the job.
If your contractor is hesitant about providing a contract for the requested service, that’s always a red flag!
5. Ask For References
A good HVAC provider wants to boast about their work, so never be afraid to ask for references from past customers.
You can also research the company online on your own, check Google reviews, look at the business website for testimonials, or ask to see a portfolio or other types of feedback.
Social proof is a great way to know for sure if you’re getting into business with a reputable company.
Whether your AC unit is building up moisture, starting to smell strange, or you’re just not thrilled with your high energy bills, an upgrade can improve the quality of your home life.
As you search for the right HVAC company for the job, go in well prepared, ask plenty of questions, and do plenty of research so you can be sure of a job well done and a unit that lasts for years to come.
