HVAC issues, however rare, can be pretty inconvenient. What’s worse, if you delay the process of addressing the complication, it can only grow bigger in magnitude. Why invite unnecessary stress and discomfort for you and your family? Any kind of malfunctions in the HVAC system at your place can even lead to health problems besides spiking up the cost of fixing the unit. So if you notice anything amiss in your HVAC unit or simply looking for air conditioner cleaning, call a technician right away. As they say, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’.
Are you concerned about finding the right HVAC technician? Worry not, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of some handy tips to ensure that a skilled technician looks into your requirements and does not end up doing more harm than good, thanks to their lack of expertise.
Tips to Find the Best Technician in Town
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Seek recommendations:
Who said you need to search for a technician all by yourself? The primary step is to reach out to friends and family who live in the vicinity for references. Try to find out as much as you can about an AC technician, and the services they offer. Talk at length about their professionalism, pricing rates, and the overall quality of their work. People you know and trust can be the biggest resources to share such information with you.
The best part is, you can let your guard down with them and discuss your concerns frankly. They will give you an honest opinion, without any hidden motives or biased judgements. Once you have enough options of air conditioning technician, you can narrow down your choices.
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Do a general search:
It’s not a wise idea to only count on recommendations, you need to back it up with ample research from your end too! Look up all the HVAC company/agent/technician names you got and check if they provide services in your area, be it AC cleaning or AC maintenance. Take time to explore the websites and cross-check the information your acquaintances have shared. This will reveal things like whether the company has revised its rates or gone out of business, whether they have hired new technicians or downsized, and so on.
Updating yourself with the latest status of the company is highly recommended. You should have current, accurate information about the company/technician to understand if they are the right fit for the service you’re looking for. Also keep an eye out for any kind of service promotions on offer, which can help you curtail AC repair expenses.
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Read client reviews and testimonials:
This step allows you to discover everything that is good, bad, or ugly about the company/technician you’re considering. You can get a fair idea of different aspects such as timeliness, behavior, skills/expertise, responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, and so on.
Do note that reviews are not the same as testimonials. The latter typically share the best feedback from clients; while such insights are certainly worth a read, it is always advisable to check out third-party reviews on Google and social media to find out about the less-than-perfect experiences of clients.
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Check for licensing:
This is a pretty straightforward process, as most HVAC companies clearly put up their licensing information on their website, business cards, etc. once you get clarity on the company’s state and local licenses, you don’t have to fret about whether you’re working with a reputed entity or a potential scammer.
The credibility gets a further boost if the company has received awards and recognition, or has additional licenses in other areas.
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Check how long it has been in business:
Just like you wouldn’t hire an advocate who has just passed law, or consult a doctor who has just received his medical degree, it’s not a good idea to settle for a company/technician who’s just a newbie in the business. They may be trustworthy, but why take the risk? Years of experience definitely have a major role to play.
The more experienced the technician is, the more confidence and peace of mind they’ll give you in terms of air conditioner maintenance.
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Look for additional home repair services:
Spend some time exploring whether the technician you’ve shortlisted has other skills. Probably, the company is capable of offering more than just HVAC service. They may have specialization in other areas such as plumbing, electricity, gas services, etc.
You may not need these services at the moment, but just knowing that they are also trained in these areas is reassuring. Plus, you can keep this resource in mind for future requirements. A company offering multiple services is easier to establish long-term relationships with.
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Get a quote:
Once you feel you’ve identified your go-to technician, pick up the phone and set up a diagnostic visit. It will let you get a better feel of what to expect, to know if you can trust them and gauge how well-prepared they are to cater to your HVAC issues.
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Get into specifics and ask questions:
Make the most of the consultation session to ask all that you need to know. This will help you fill in the gaps that your research could not cover. Even if you’re clueless about HVAC, delving into the specifics of the problem with an industry insider will make you aware of more things than one.
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Bring up brands:
Say your HVAC unit requires a specific part for its repair, or you discover that it has to be replaced entirely. Looking for an HVAC technician just because the one you hired doesn’t have the parts you need can be a major hassle.
Before bringing a technician/company on board, make sure that they’re knowledgeable about the kind of HVAC unit you have and whether they can supply all the necessary parts for the air conditioning repair.
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Get everything in writing:
Last but not the least, you should ask for everything in writing, be it the quote, the consultation form the receipts, and so on. This will help you keep track of the work you have done and you can refer back to them in case you experience any charge or an accidental double charge.
Bill disputes can also be avoided if you have everything in writing, right from the start. You should save these documents even after the service is completed.
Be it high humidity, insufficient airflow, water leaks, bad odors, or unusual noises, as a homeowner it’s your responsibility to detect the early signs of HVAC malfunctions. Responding to these promptly can prevent bigger damage and higher costs. If you notice any of these, wait no further and immediately reach out to an expert professional.
