There are now over 145,100 heating and air-conditioning contractor businesses in the US. The industry grew by 3.5% from 2022. Not every HVAC contractor will have the experience you need, though.
Before requesting an HVAC repair service, make sure to ask these six questions. Interviewing different companies will help you find the best in Brighton, CO.
Read on to start your search today!
1. How Long Have You Operated?
Remember, the industry grew by 3.5% year over year. As a result, there are many new HVAC companies across the US. Many contractors will lack the hands-on experience that ensures the best possible customer service.
Ask each HVAC company you call how long they’ve been in business. Ask how many HVAC units they’ve serviced in that time. Try to find a long-established HVAC company and team of experienced contractors.
Finding an experienced team will make it easier for them to diagnose the problem with your HVAC unit. They’ll also have an easy time recommending an efficient, effective solution. A new team, on the other hand, might waste time with trial and error.
These businesses also won’t disappear or go out of business overnight.
An established HVAC business will have worked out operational kinks over time as well. A new business might still have scheduling and billing issues to work out.
As you learn more about each HVAC company, make sure to check their Better Business Bureau listing. Look for an About Us page on their company website, too. Learning as much as you can about each company can help you make a confident choice.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
As you begin narrowing down your options, look into each company’s paperwork to ensure everything is in order. First, determine if each company is licensed.
Their license should be up-to-date and specific to your region. You can confirm the company is licensed by checking online. Ask the company for proof they’re licensed, too.
If they hesitate to provide evidence their credentials are in order, keep searching. A licensed business would be proud to show off their credentials.
If the company isn’t licensed, they might unintentionally void the manufacturer’s warranty or put the value of your unit at risk.
Otherwise, ask if they have the necessary building permit to complete their work.
Determine if the company is insured as well. Ask if they have both general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
General liability insurance will protect your interests if someone damages your property. Worker’s compensation insurance will protect you if a worker is hurt on the job. A company that has both will have your best interests in mind.
They won’t hold you responsible if there’s an accident.
If the company doesn’t have any of these documents, keep searching.
The Team
As you learn more about each HVAC company, learn more about their employees as well. For example, what type of training do they complete?
Look for a company that has training standards to confirm their technicians have the necessary expertise. Ask if they have certification in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation.
A certified technician will have an easier time diagnosing the problem and finding a solution.
3. What Services Do You Offer?
Learn more about the specific HVAC maintenance and repair services the company offers. Look for a company that offers a range of services. If you need help with multiple HVAC problems, you won’t have to call multiple companies.
For example, the company might offer:
- Air conditioning
- Heating (furnace installation, repair, replacement, maintenance)
- Tune-ups
- Heat pumps (installation, repair, maintenance)
- Water heaters
- Repairs
- Installation
Determine if the company prioritizes preventative maintenance, too. Routine checks could extend the lifespan of your HVAC unit to 15 years. With preventative maintenance, you can spot signs of HVAC problems before the unit breaks down.
Make sure the company has well-rounded experience and expertise. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ll only need to depend on one company for all your service needs.
4. Can You Provide References?
Ask each HVAC expert for at least three local references. Look for online reviews as well. You can find reviews on their Google Business and Better Business Bureau profiles.
Try to read a handful of reviews from each source to get a well-rounded idea of each company. Look for complaints about scheduling, billing, or the team’s professionalism.
Reading online reviews can help you prioritize finding a reputable company. After earning a glowing reputation, the company will want to maintain it. They won’t sacrifice their well-earned reputation by offering low-quality service.
If you see any complaints repeat between clients, remove that company from your list. Chances are, the company isn’t interested in improving.
5. What’s Included in Your Estimate?
Determine what’s covered in each company’s estimate (labor, parts, permits, etc.). Ask how they determine their quote as well. Request more than one estimate around town.
Getting at least three quotes from HVAC companies can help you determine the average cost of HVAC services.
Ask for a copy of each company’s contract, too. Determine if they offer a warranty. If so, ask what’s covered.
6. Are You Familiar With My Unit?
Ask each HVAC expert if they’re familiar with your specific unit. They can leverage their past experience fixing units like yours.
Ask the technician if they’re informed about new technologies as well, especially if you have a new, energy-efficient model. Otherwise, the technician might struggle to fix your unit.
Request an HVAC Repair Service Today
Don’t hire the first HVAC company you come across. Instead, use these tips to find the best HVAC repair service in Brighton, CO. With these tips, you can streamline your search and feel confident in your choice.
Need an HVAC contractor right away? We’re here to help.
Contact our team today to schedule your HVAC repairs!