Temperatures continue to climb in Omaha, which means one thing – your AC is about to go in to full blown summer mode and run more often. That’s why it’s so crucial to plan ahead and have an AC repair technician identified if your air conditioner decides it’s worked hard enough and breaks down.
Of course it’s not as simple as picking a name and number out of a phone book like it used to be, and there are plenty of companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your difficulty. That’s why Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning has put together a list of things to search for in an AC repair technician.
So how can you know if you’re dealing with a less than reputable AC repair technician?
1) Full payment – in cash prior to beginning the work
It can be hard to believe that there are contractors out there like this, but they are around. Not only does this put you in danger of not having your AC repair completed, it can easily lead to careless work and a lot of frustration if you have any trouble after the work is completed. Plain and simple, most trustworthy contractors will provide an estimate and will not make you pay prior to work beginning.
2) Offers a specific AC repair cost without inspecting the system
If a contractor hasn’t come by and checked your air conditioner to get the full picture of what is the issue with your system, how can you be 100 percent sure that they fixed the problem? Choose someone who is willing to give you an honest estimate after they come and inspect your air conditioner to completely understand what the problem is. It can help you save money and time.
3) Won’t put it in writing
Never, ever settle on this one. If you can’t get a contractor to put their work and charges in writing, you are basically handing over a signed, blank check. With any AC repair, you might run in to things here or there that also need to be taken care of, but they can be added to the agreed upon contract afterwards.
Having a signed contract from the beginning means you are on the same page with your contractor when it comes to what is being worked on, what is being changed, timeline for completion, and cost involved.
4) They aren’t licensed in your state
Of course, not all states require licensure for HVAC contractors, but a lot do. Do a quick search online to see if your state requires a license so you know what you’re asking for when contacting a contractor. The benefit to living in a state that requires a license is that it protects you from using a contractor with less than skilled workers, and in the chance you run in to a headache, you can to report any issues with the work you received.
Normally when you encounter a contractor doing business without a license in a state that requires it, you’re more than likely dealing with someone you shouldn’t be. There’s most likely a reason they don’t have a license and it’s easy to determine they’re up to no good.
Sure, these four tips may not prevent every encounter with an undesirable contractor, but they can help you determine who to trust and who not to trust in the Omaha area. Fortunately for you, you can always trust the experienced team at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning to get the job done correctly the first time. Give them a call at 402-509-5940.