Have you ever been uncomfortably warm in your own home? Maybe it's during the summer when temperatures in Lubbock, TX start to rise. You turn on your air conditioner only to find that it blows warm air or worse, doesn't work at all. To avoid this situation, it's important to have a professional air conditioning contractor you can rely on. Here are 7 questions to ask before hiring a professional air conditioning contractor:
What is the contractor's licensing status in your state or province?
In order to provide professional construction services, a contractor must have the proper licensing in place within their state or province. For most jurisdictions, contractors need to demonstrate their compliance with safety regulations as well as commit to relevant continuing education requirements for licensure renewal. Depending on where you live, there may even be documentation and/or other aptitude tests needed for offering services of a certain nature or complexity. It is ultimately in your best interest to stay up-to-date on your local contractor licensing laws and ensure that the individual or company completing work on your property is properly certified by the governing body responsible for such regulation. Not doing so could result in hefty fines and penalties, and serious consequences for the contractor involved too.
How long has the contractor been in business?
The length of time that a contractor has been in business can provide important insight into their reliability. Researching a contractor's background can be essential when deciding who to engage for your project. In some cases, you may find that the contractor has decades of experience and success behind them, signaling that you are likely dealing with a reputable company. On the other hand, if the business is relatively new, it might be wise to look further into their qualifications and make sure they have the skills and proper licensure necessary for the job. Ultimately, no matter how long or short a period a contractor has been in business, asking key questions about their qualifications should always be paramount before signing any contracts.
Does the contractor have any negative reviews online that you can find?
As recommended by consumer groups, it's advised that anyone looking to get an air condition replacement should thoroughly research the potential contractors. The best way to do this is to search for the ac company online and look for any reviews about them. Negative reviews may offer insight into a contractor's reliability, quality of service, and even pricing which can be extremely useful when deciding who would make the best fit for the job. Ensure to read these reviews with care and take into account both positive and negative points as they could give you an understanding of how reliable this company really is.
What do other customers say about the contractor's workmanship and customer service levels?
Many customers have been pleased with the contractor's workmanship and customer service levels. Reviews from previous customers often praise the professionalism, timeliness, and transparency of the contractors. People have noted that the completed projects looked exactly as promised, and that communication was held throughout the process in order to offer assurance and bring peace of mind. The contractor has made a name for themselves in terms of trustworthiness and quality results.
How much will it cost to have the work done, and what payment options does the contractor offer?
It may seem daunting to determine the cost of a project with an ac company, but knowing what payment options are offered can ease that burden. You should always ask for an estimate before any work is approved so you can get an idea of how much it will total. Payment options vary between ac companies, but many offer financing services or payment plans broken down into installments. Some ac companies also accept credit cards and cash, while others may only provide one or two options due to their size and operations. Ultimately, understanding your ac contractor’s billing policies and fees can help you avoid unexpected costs as well as make sure you remain in control of your budget throughout the job.
What kind of warranty or guarantee does the contractor offer on their workmanship or materials used?
When researching ac install contractors, it is important to find out what kind of warranty or guarantee they offer on their workmanship or materials used. Many ac install professionals offer warranties for both — some for as long as ten years. The warranty terms and coverage should be thoroughly discussed and understood before signing a contract with the ac install contractor. It is in your best interest to research the company's reviews and record for customer service and satisfaction regarding the aforementioned guarantee, so that you can feel confident should any issues come up after the ac install has been completed.
Will the contractor be pulling a permit for the job and is one needed?
Before any ac company begins a job, it is important to be sure the contractor is pulling a permit and is aware of whether one is needed. Depending on the situation, ac companies may need to seek various permits from local authorities in order to complete the job. These permits, depending on the jurisdiction, can often include electrical work, ac unit installations and replacements, and related activities. For this reason, it is vital that ac companies inquire with local municipalities or building departments as to what types of permits are necessary. This will ensure that any job performed is compliant with applicable regulations and safety standards.
Asking the right questions when looking to hire an AC contractor can mean all of the difference in having a replacement or repair job done correctly, on time, and within budget. You don't want to be caught off guard by any hidden fees or discover that the workmanship is shoddy. With a little due diligence, however, you can avoid these potential pitfalls altogether. Be sure to ask about things like licensing status,online reviews, customer testimonials, cost estimates and warranties before hiring an AC contractor. When in doubt, reach out to EGS Heating and Air for all your HVAC needs- we're always happy to help!