We know how tough it is to find a reputable and trustworthy HVAC company. If you need one, it usually means your home is too hot, too cold, or you don’t have any hot water! Having an inconvenient predicament with your furnace or A/C might lead you to pick the most visible company out there. But just because you’ve seen a company’s trucks around town doesn’t always tell the whole story about the company or its practices.
We’ve listed a few questions to keep in mind when searching for a reliable company for you and your home.
- Ask about fees and upfront money – Some companies will charge a small fee (between $30-$40) to come out and diagnose what kind of trouble you’re experiencing, but then overcharge on labor and parts. Also, always inquire about trip charges/time used to diagnose the problem.
- Ask for references – It’s always nice to know that a company has a record of good service and high standards surrounding customer satisfaction. We always suggest reaching out to your family and friends first to get tried and true referrals for equipment replacement, but in the event of a HVAC emergency, it may not be practical. However to get a great objective picture of service, look to Google. Google reviews can be a valuable place to gather information about your options. Seek out reviews that speak to similar issues that you may be having and try to determine if the issues were handled with care.
- Do they have experience with your system? – Whether geothermal, basic furnace, or AC, you need to know the company you choose will have the relevant experience necessary for your home.
- Experience with rebates? – If you are installing or upgrading, it makes sense to inquire about rebates. You’ll know you have a great company if they can help you to understand what incentives are available.
- Do they offer service contracts? – When seeking a good contractor, we suggest thinking about more than just replacement of equipment. Service and maintenance are important pieces of the work that a good HVAC company does. There is peace of mind in enrolling in a service agreement program with the company you choose. The equipment in your home is a long term investment and it’s always nice to have a relationship with professional regular maintenance. However, it’s always good to make sure you know what you’re paying for.
The more questions you ask, the better prepared you’ll be to hire a company that is trustworthy.
