Things to Know Before Hiring a Local Air Conditioner Contractor

When your air conditioner stops working, the goal is to get it repaired as soon as possible. Before reaching out to the first contractor you find online, it’s essential to do some research to ensure you’re working with the best local team to meet your needs. Even when you find someone through referrals, it helps to research each company or provider properly before hiring them.

Here are some of the steps you can take to ensure you hire the best person or team for the job.

Look at the Services They Perform

When you search for a great local air conditioner contractor, you’ll find a wide range of companies that deliver multiple services. You might see offers that go from mechanical functionality to electrical connections. That’s why it is important to review the scope of services thoroughly to see if your issue is covered.

Most air conditioner contractors fit their services into three generic categories.

• Installation. The contractor disconnects your current system and installs the new one you’ve purchased. If you haven’t had AC before, they’ll lay the supportive groundwork your equipment could need.
• Maintenance. This step might include inspecting for leaks, changing filters, cleaning ducts, or testing electrical components. It’d fall into this category if you need a refill of refrigerants. Most homeowners need at least one maintenance service calls per year.
• Repairs. If a component fails, a local AC contractor can respond to fix the failed or malfunctioning part.

Ask for Referrals and Read Online Reviews

It helps to speak with your family, friends, and neighbors about the past experiences they’ve had with local air conditioner contractors. Most people can recommend someone reliable that they trust.

Before finalizing your decision, it helps to check for online customer reviews. Numerous third-party websites collect this information for you to read and consider.

Ask Questions During the Estimate

Your local air conditioner contractor should come out to see the problem before providing a cost estimate for the project. When they visit, you might consider asking some (or all!) of the following questions.

• Is your business licensed, insured, and bonded?
• What are the frequent problems you see with air conditioners in our community?
• How long have you been in service?
• How long do you think this repair or installation will take?
• Can I share photos of the equipment and the manufacturer’s labels?

Request Multiple Quotes

It helps to evaluate multiple quotes, especially if you have an extensive project to complete. It’s a good rule of thumb to speak with at least three contractors you trust to do your AC work. Ask for a comprehensive estimate from each prospective provider, including technician transportation, hauling fees, new equipment costs, and potential upcharges.

When you take the time to research local air conditioner contractors, you’re more likely to feel like you’ve hired the best people to do the job. Consider scheduling your maintenance or installation work before the weather turns hot to ensure you can be comfortable during the summer!