Evaluating And Hiring HVAC Professionals
Choosing the right HVAC technician is easier said than done. Honestly speaking, it’s a tough job. The industry is full of dishonest and untrustworthy companies that are out there to rip off your hard earned money and provide you with shoddy repair and replacement services. Considering that your HVAC system is an essential part of your home’s comfort and environment, it’s critical that evaluation a HVAC technician properly before hiring.
In this case, it’s important that you hire an adequately trained and experienced technician who can effectively install, maintain, and/or repair your heating, ventilation, and cooling system. This article provides you with a well laid out and comprehensive guide on how to evaluate the best HVAC contractor, hassle –free.
When the Deal is Too Good, Think Twice
“If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. And when the deal is too good, think twice”.
It’s normal for HVAC companies to advertise their services and offer seasonal special offers throughout the year. However, there a few shady companies advertise services that are too cheap compared to others and they sometimes offer free services – these are the companies you should avoid completely if you want to save your hard earned money. Their dirty tricks lie in the service charges. They often bury additional charges that were not included in the quote in other repair and replacement fees. So, be on the lookout before hiring a technician from such a company.
Education, Extensive Training, Experience and Modern Technology Knowledge are crucial requirements
Many home owners fail this step – checking your technician’s educational qualification documents, their level of training and skill, their experience, and their knowledge of modern technology. These are key components in a HVAC technician because they indicate his ability to deliver quality services and provide exceptional customer service.
Make sure that the technician has the necessary educational and training qualification documents, gather information about his experience in the industry (whether full-time or part-time), and assess his expertise and level of knowledge in operating modern HVAC systems, their related tools and equipment. Also, ask the technician about other available modern technologies and power saving options for a new HVAC system.
Company’s Reputation-Credibility, Reliability, Quality Service and Exceptional Customer Service
Would you buy an air conditioning machine with a reputation for providing inferior quality products or from a company with a reputation of providing superior quality products? Of course the former wins. Why is that? Because a company’s reputation greatly influences your purchasing decision.
It’s the same case here. If you want a technician who can provide high quality HVAC repair or replacement services, you need to hire from a company with a solid reputation in terms of high-quality services, credibility, reliability, affordability, as well as exceptional customer service. You are guaranteed quality services and assured the job will be done right the first time.
Beware of Technicians who do Not Have References
If the technician is as legit as he claims, ask him to provide you with a list of referees for whom that he has provided heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repair/replacement in your area. Make a point of reaching out to those previous customers and ask what they thought of the technician’s service. The feedback will help you decide whether to hire him or not.
Please note that if the contractor cannot provide you with references, it means he is lying about his previous experience and probably everything else.
Does the Technician have License and Insurance?
Did you know that if your home experiences a tragedy such as a fire or water damage, insurance claims may be denied if the work was completed by a company without a license permit? Probably not, and this is where most home owners often go wrong when hiring the services of a HVAC company.
The health and safety of your family is at stake here and hiring a technician without checking their license and insurance and whether the two are up-to-date is quite risky.
Which Brands Does the Technician Service?
There are countless HVAC brands on the market and some technicians are only familiar with two or three. During your first call, ask him whether he is familiar with your specific system’s brand. A good technician will be honest with you. If yes, he should be experienced and know how to troubleshoot your system’s problem.
Again, make sure you are hiring from a reputable company to avoid unnecessary headaches and disappointments.
Beware of Price Estimates that are too Low
We all want to keep some extra coins while hiring any kind of service. In other words, we love cheap and affordable services.
But this doesn’t always work, especially when it comes to home improvement services such as HVAC repair/replacement. As stated earlier, if the deal is too good, think twice. If the technician offers a price estimate that is too low compared to others, it could be that he has a habit of cutting corners or does not do things according to the manufacturer’s specs. It’s better to pay more for guaranteed services than to pay low only to get the worst kind of service.
Is the Technician Listed on the Registrar of Contractors records?
The Registrar of Contractors provides records of its registered technicians depending on their wok quality and service rendered. This is a special organization body focused on helping home owners and business owners to hire the right professionals. HVAC technicians who are fully committed to their jobs will surely do everything to appear on the records. If other options have failed, this is a good place to look.
Consider the Skills, not the Size of the Company
Many people have the perception that a big company guarantees quality services while smaller companies deliver the opposite. This is so untrue. You cannot judge a book by its cover. It’s the skills, good reputation, and exceptional customer services that matter most, not the size of the company.
Thus the Technician provides HVAC Repair/Replacement Services?
In summary selecting the best HVAC system normally requires a lot of research so that you are not disappointed with the end result. The information above will help you in your choice.