Air conditioners have a shelf life like other HVAC equipment in your home or office and eventually need to be repaired or replaced. More than likely, you’ll need to rely on the expertise of an air conditioner service technician for help. Getting helpful tips on how to choose an air conditioning system near you for new installations and repairs can save you time and money.
However, with numerous companies in your city, it can be a task to narrow your search down to a reputable contractor. These 8 tips can make things easier for you as you shop around:
License and Experience
Getting the best air conditioner services involves connecting to a company that is properly registered, licensed, and has the kind of experienced technicians you want. This may require a diligent search. You can try the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s locator for starters. Their website makes it easy for customers to find licensed, skilled ACCA-approved HVAC contractors in your area. As a diligent customer, you should also ask the company or its contractor to show you their credentials. A certified HVAC contractor will have no problem providing the requested information. For example, you may have a look at Stalwart Air Conditioning Services website to see how a qualified website looks.
Company Office
Air conditioner installations and repairs are quite costly. Therefore, you must have a good idea about the business including its physical location, owner, website, and contact info. Be sure to check out if the air conditioning contractor has an actual office that matches the address of the business. It is especially important to verify this if a relative or friend referred them. Don’t just trust the information on a whim and proceed to do business exclusively on the phone. You might be surprised to find out there are dummy companies that are not properly registered and do business at arm’s length with their customers.
Reputation and Rating
The reputation of the air conditioning business you’re planning to hire can make a huge difference in customer satisfaction. As you browse the internet for HVAC specialists near you, you may come across companies that hold themselves out to be the best in the business. Cross check and verify their claims as well as their reputation with the compliance authorities. The ACCA HAVC online locator can help you find contractors who follow the law and are in good standing. Another option is to look at their ratings to read what past customers have to say about the company’s products, services, and professionalism.
Cost of Installation and Repairs
It may all come down to cost now that you’re ready to fix your air conditioner. A new AC unit alone is priced anywhere from $1,200 to $1,800. The cost will go up when you add the cost of installation and labor. As such, ensure the charges for the services fit within your budget before contracting the air conditioning service provider. Initially, you can request a quote or estimate of the overall cost of the work to be done. The estimate should include prices for equipment, installation or repairs, and all miscellaneous fees. You can also try to get the best deal by requesting an estimate from a few other companies.
Products and Services
Find out if the company has the products and services to match your air conditioning installation and repair needs. The latest models of AC systems are likely to run more efficiently. If air conditioner efficiency is an important factor for you, then find a company that sells units that have a good Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). Efficiency is measured by how much energy it takes for the unit to provide adequate cooling during a typical cooling season. A good air conditioning system has SEER ratings of 13 and above. The higher the SEER ratio, the lower the energy costs.
Home Evaluation
If you’re looking to have an air conditioning system installed, you should consider contractors that offer a thorough home evaluation. Coming to your home or office to do an on-the-ground assessment will give them a better sense of the type of air conditioner that suits your needs. It will also assist in providing a more accurate estimate based on the square footage of the home or room. A good HVAC specialist will inspect the duct system to check for leaks or broken loose segments and determine how much insulation work is needed. Once you get your written estimate, you can compare it with the estimates you received from other contractors. Although cost matters, remember to consider factors such as energy efficiency and warranties.
Maintenance Plan
Annual air conditioner checkups and tune-ups are necessary to keep your system running smoothly. Regular maintenance also helps you save money and extends the life of the unit. While you may be eager to choose a certain company, stop to find out about their maintenance plans. You want to know that they also have the equipment and expertise needed to maintain your air conditioning system. This is important whether or not you purchase your unit directly from the business entity. Consumers like it when a service plan is included in the contract. Annual or periodic inspections may be part of the plan. A good company may also be willing to offer discounts on repairs and future installations as part of the deal.
Emergency Services
Emergencies happen suddenly and without notice. If the air conditioner system goes down during summer, this is a serious emergency that can leave you and your family in sweltering hot conditions. You should have this at the forefront of your mind when choosing an air conditioning service near you. Companies that provide 24/7 emergency services can best meet the needs of their customer anytime something goes wrong with the air conditioner unit. Fast and efficient service is ideal, especially if the unit breaks down during the night.
Get your money’s worth!
It may take some time before you find a professional business that matches your needs at the right price. But it is worth it in the long run. Basically, you need a company with a good reputation, reasonably priced products and services, and a back-up plan for maintenance and emergencies.