The coldest months in Texas are here, but Texans can expect the winter weather forecast to be warmer and drier than normal.
Despite this, Texas can be unpredictable when it comes to weather conditions. This is why you need to prepare your HVAC unit for anything the climate throws at it.
For a residential or commercial checkup, repair, or installation, you need to hire a professional HVAC repair service. Keep reading to learn seven questions to ask that will help you make the right choice.
1. How Long Have Been in Operation?
If you start your search for an HVAC repair company online, you’ll find a lot of options. Develop a list of potential businesses and look into each company’s history.
Determining how long a company has operated in the area is an important step in your search.
A long-established business might provide you with more peace of mind because you don’t have to worry about them going out of business the next time you need help.
A company that’s been working in the industry for years employs contractors that have years of experience too. Ask an HVAC repair service how long they’ve been in operation and which contractor will work on your unit.
It’s also a good idea if a company or specific technician has experience working on your type of HVAC unit. This will help you feel more confident in your abilities. Plus, teams have an easier time with the services you need.
If a company is hesitant to answer questions about its previous work, consider it a red flag.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Never work with an HVAC company that is not licensed and insured. Specifically, ask to see their paperwork to ensure you aren’t getting bamboozled.
Make sure they are licensed to work on your property, whether that be residential or commercial.
If a company doesn’t have a license, your HVAC unit could be at risk. It’s possible that a manufacturer voids your warranty if you have your unit serviced by an unlicensed technician.
If a company isn’t insured, you could be responsible for paying for damages and injuries that occur on your property while a technician is working. You’ll need to use your own HVAC insurance or pay costs out of pocket.
The business should have at least general liability insurance and worker’s compensation.
3. What Services Do You Offer?
It’s best to hire a company that offers a range of HVAC services so that you’ll have a business that you can always go to with problems, repairs, and replacements.
Consider the specific services you need and ask if they offer them. Some companies complete:
- Repair
- Air duct cleaning
- Installation
- Indoor air quality (IAQ) services
- Preventative maintenance checks
A business with well-rounded experience and expertise is convenient and more trustworthy. If they don’t offer what you need, that’s an easy way to eliminate a company from your list.
Preventative maintenance is one of the most important services to look for, even if it isn’t among your immediate needs. Maintenance can extend the life of your unit and save you money over time.
4. What Training Do Technicians Have?
It’s not always enough to hire a service with years of experience. The team they employ needs to be well-trained.
Ask each company you are interested in working with if their employees have completed formal training. Go a step further and ask what their training standards are.
Determine if employees have additional certifications and if they keep training up to date. These questions will ensure you hire a team that can offer the best services possible.
5. Can You Offer References and Reviews?
It’s always a good idea to ask people you know what their experience is with a certain HVAC company, but this isn’t always reliable. Online reviews should also be taken with a grain of salt because customers can write anything online.
Still, it’s important to take these things into consideration during your search. For instance, while you are making a list of possible companies to hire, eliminate those with mostly bad online ratings.
The best HVAC companies offer references to those who ask. They may also have reviews listed on their website.
Ask to speak with a company’s most recent clients so you can determine what their experience with the business was like.
You can also utilize the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google My Business profiles for more information on the customer experience.
6. Do You Offer a Warranty?
Heating and cooling companies that trust their work and their technicians often offer a warranty. Ask every company on your list about their warranty options, if any.
You’ll want to know if they prioritize a return to your home or business if the problem persists after they leave. There might be some exclusions, so ask about this too.
Companies that offer client warranties have your best interests in mind.
7. What’s Covered in the Quote?
There are a lot of HVAC companies out there eager to get your business, which is why many of them offer free quotes.
Before making a final choice, request at least three quotes from different companies in your area. Gathering more than one quote can help you understand the average price locally.
If pricing seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t rush to hire a business that offers the cheapest prices. Go over your notes and make sure it’s a good choice.
Ask a company what’s covered in their HVAC quotes. Most include parts and labor, but each business will vary.
Need an HVAC Repair Service?
If you need an HVAC repair service in Magnolia, TX, you probably have a lot of options to choose from. The best companies have been in business for years, train their technicians, and are licensed and insured.
To find an HVAC service you can stick with for the long run for your residential and commercial needs, make sure the company you hire offers different services.
At Luxury Air, we offer everything from repairs to installation to cleaning. Contact us today to schedule HVAC services.
