With temperatures regularly breaking all known records, heating and air conditioning problems abound. When your system breaks down under these stressful conditions, you call an HVAC repair company in hopes of fast, professional repairs at a fair price. Is there any way to ensure the quality of service you and your system desperately need?
Protect yourself against incompetent or dishonest contractors
In just the 5 months from May through September of 2014, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) received over 700 complaints against commercial and residential HVAC companies. To ensure you are working with a trustworthy hvac repair technician, BBB offers the following advice:
- Before making a call, consult your owner’s manual.
Your system – or some of its components – may still be covered under factory warranty. - Hire a professional.
This does not include your neighbor, a “friend-of-a-friend,” or yourself, wearing your DIY-hat. You should also avoid those offering rock-bottom prices, those that offer a firm estimate over the phone without looking at your system, or new-kids-on-the-block who are not yet proven and may go out of business before your replacement parts come in. Look for an established heating repair contractor with an upstanding BBB membership, whose technicians hold NATE certification and receive positive word-of-mouth from the community. - Get references…
From actual customers, not just their website or random message boards. - Verify licensing.
Contact your state licensing board and ask to see a copy of their current license before air conditioning or heating system repair service start. - Compare prices.
Shop around, gleaning quotes from at least 3 different companies. Ensure they are comprehensive, with a written description of all services offered and materials used so you can compare apples to apples.
Before you do call, make certain you have…
- Ensured your air filter is clean and properly installed.
- Checked the switch/breaker – including the on/off switch on the outdoor unit, which can occasionally get bumped. Ditto with gas: Is it on?
- Verified the thermostat batteries don’t need to be replaced.
- Triple-checked the setting on the thermostat, including the clock on programmable models.
Still not working? Have the following information on-hand:
- A thorough description of what your system is - or is not - doing.
- How long the probably has been going on.
- The age of the system, heater or AC brand, and system type (gas or electric; heat pump, AC, furnace, etc.).
- The last time your system underwent routine maintenance or repairs.
- Any strange noises your system makes during startup, shutdown, or operation, such as screeches, pops, thuds, clanging, or hissing, including if the system is overly loud when it runs.
- Any off-smells when the blower comes on.
- If you have rooms in your home that are frequently too hot or too cold.
- If the lights dim when the system turns on.
Don’t get burned by bad service. Get friendly, BBB certified, professional ac installation, replacement, repair, service and maintenance contractors. Protect your wallet and your system. Contact us today.
