Your AC contractor can make a big difference in home comfort. Selecting the right company can save you money and make your life more convenient. Choosing the wrong company can be a major headache and end up costing you more. Let’s explore some tips on how to find the perfect AC contractor.
Consider Local and Established AC Contractors
Prioritize companies that are local to the communities they serve. Proximity makes it easier if anything goes wrong. It also shows a vested interest in your community. If you have family and friends in the area, referrals are a great way to start a list of prospects. You may also want to ask neighbors and coworkers. When selecting companies from listings and marketing, gravitate toward ones with years of experience. Selecting a company that’s been in business and successful for decades gives you confidence and peace of mind.
Explore an AC Company’s Full Range of Services
Consider the installation, replacement and maintenance services offered by the company. Ensure that they offer a full range of AC repair services. Maintenance services are important too, and a maintenance plan can save you money while keeping your equipment on schedule. You may also want to consider ancillary services, such as HVAC filters, dehumidifiers and air purification.
Research Potential Contractors Online
The internet is a great tool for researching service providers for your home. Most HVAC companies have their own websites through which they provide you with information about themselves. The Better Business Bureau is an excellent resource as well. When a company has an A+ rating, you know they emphasize customer service and care and take any customer complaints seriously.
You should also explore the reviews the company has online. They may show these reviews on their own website. You can find even more through Google. There are also resources like Yelp, Facebook, Angi and HomeAdvisor. Avoid overvaluing one bad review or even a handful. That said, if there is a pattern of customer dissatisfaction, this will usually shine through over multiple reviews. Reviews are also a good way to find the companies that go out of their way to do the small things for customers. This can be anything from bringing treats for the dog to noticing a small issue and simply fixing it while they’re around.
Consider Trade Certifications and Associations
Another strong tool for evaluating an HVAC contractor is its trade associations and certifications. The major brands, for instance, won’t continue associating with a company that displeases its customers. When a company is a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer or a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor, that means something. Those major brands are proud of their partnerships with that HVAC company.
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is among the most respected nonprofit HVAC trade associations in the world. When an HVAC technician has NATE certification, it reflects high-level knowledge of the trade. Additionally, certification is good for only two years. The technician must undergo more training and repass the exams. That shows that the company has committed to an ongoing HVAC education for its technicians.
Request Proof of Licensing and Insurance
Most states require HVAC contractors to be licensed. There’s often trade-specific licensing. There may also be specialty licensing, such as an electrician’s license and a general contractor’s license. Licenses are not permanent. The company must renew them every couple of years. An active license demonstrates that they have met the conditions of operating as a business in that state.
Insurance is important as well. It’s legally required. It also protects the homeowner. Should a technician get hurt on your property, the company’s insurance will cover those costs. If the company doesn’t have insurance, you can be on the hook through your homeowner’s insurance. By law, the company must show you valid licensing and insurance when asked. Be wary of any contractor reticent to do so.
Request References and Follow Through
Request several references. If you are hiring an AC company for general services, the references can reflect that. If you’re hiring for an installation, ensure that the references are relevant to it. Also, follow through on them. They do you no good if you don’t. Make a list of questions you deem relevant, and ask those same questions to each company. Example questions may include:
- Do they arrive on time?
- Is pricing clear and accurate?
- Have you been happy with the customer service?
- Is there anything about the company you don’t like?
Get a Second Repair Opinion or Three Installation Estimates
Once you’ve established a relationship with a contractor, these steps won’t be as important. In the beginning, they protect you against bad service and disreputable companies. In all cases, when you get an estimate, get it in writing. It should also be clear how long the contractor will honor that estimate.
If you’re hiring for a repair, contact another company for a second opinion. Many HVAC companions offer second opinions for repairs at no cost and without obligation. If you install a new AC system, get estimates from at least three companies. This will provide you context to judge whether the equipment and labor costs are fair.
Evaluate Pricing, Specials and Guarantees
Consider the pricing for all the services the AC company offers. Are they competitive with the other companies you’ve considered? Both high prices and low prices can be red flags. Explore the promotions and financing offers and compare them to other companies as well. Rebates are an important consideration also. There are many rebates available through which homeowners can offset their initial installation costs. You claim rebates not through the company but local utilities, the federal government and even the brands themselves. Still, having a company that’s knowledgeable about them and willing to help can be a big boon.
Ask Questions and Gauge How You Feel
Professional guidance is an important way an AC contractor serves its customers. Ask questions over the phone and in person. A successful, customer-oriented HVAC business will be happy to answer them. Consider how informative the answers were, how the rapport was and how the experience made you feel overall. The perfect company should make you feel comfortable and confident. This is important because, hopefully, this will be the beginning of a business relationship that lasts many years.
A Trusted AC Contractor in Seattle
Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning is an HVAC company that’s served Seattle and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. Besides central air conditioners, our NATE-certified technicians install, maintain and repair furnaces, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. Our team also cleans ducts and specializes in whole-home air purifiers, dehumidifiers and humidifiers. We have licensed electricians as well. They perform electrical inspections, repairs and installations. Our electricians upgrade electrical panels. We also install EV chargers, generators, indoor and outdoor lighting, ceiling fans and outlets. Contact us today to learn more about these services or to schedule an appointment.