Temperatures continue to rise in Tucson, which means one thing – your AC is about to go in to full blown summer mode and run more often than not. 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 selecting 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 Ambient Air has put together a few things to look 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 may be hard to believe that there are contractors out there like this, but they exist. Not only does this put you at risk of not having your AC repair completed, it can easily lead to sloppy work and a great deal of frustration if you have any trouble after the work is completed. Plain and simple, most trustworthy contractors will offer an estimate and will not make you pay in advance of the work being done.
2) Offers a specific AC repair cost without inspecting the system
If a contractor hasn’t stopped by and examined your air conditioner to get the big picture of what is wrong with your system, how can you be 100 percent sure that they corrected the issue? Find someone who is willing to provide you an honest estimate after they come and inspect your air conditioner to completely recognize 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 might as well be handing over a signed, blank check. With any AC repair, you may run in to things here or there that also need attention, but they can be added to the agreed upon contract after.
Having a signed contract from the get-go 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 many do. Do a quick search online to see if your state requires a license so you know what you’re asking for when searching for a contractor. The benefit to living in a state that requires a license is that it guards you from using a contractor with less than skilled workers, and in the chance you run in to an issue, you are able to report any issues with the work you received.
Usually when you encounter a contractor operating 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 thwart every encounter with an undesirable contractor, but they can help you identify who to trust and who not to trust in the Tucson area. Fortunately for you, you can always trust the experienced experts at Ambient Air to get the job done correctly the first time. Give them a call at 520-357-4912.