6 Qualities To Look For in an HVAC Technician

With American summers getting hotter year-on-year and winters getting cooler, Texas homeowners need their HVAC systems in working order when the seasonal extremes roll around.

If you’re smart, you book an HVAC check-up in the spring.

But how do you know if the person you’ve hired to check your HVAC system is going to be reliable? In 2020, census figures showed there were 450,000 technicians employed in the heating and cooling repair industry. That’s a lot of companies to choose from!

Read on to find out what to look for in an HVAC technician before you book your repair or inspection.

1. Experience: Sure, you want your AC repair person to be personable. However, you also want that friendly demeanor backed up by a decent amount of training and on-the-job experience.
   When booking your repair or service, chat with the company about the technician they plan to send to your home.
   How long have they been working at the company? What certifications and licenses do they hold? Have they had training in the latest HVAC models, technologies, and tools?
   There’s nothing wrong with less experienced technicians attending a call-out. How else will they learn? But if the technician seems a bit green, ask the company whether an older professional will attend with them.
   When the technician is at your home, they should be able to explain problems and solutions to you in an accessible, confident manner. If they can’t, it could be a red flag that they’re inexperienced.
2. A Good Reputation: Most HVAC installation companies serve their local area. And this means reputation is (or at least should be) everything to them. There are a few ways to assess the quality of the air conditioning service companies in your area.
   First, head to their website. Most companies post reviews from past clients. However, keep in mind they’re not likely to post negative reviews.
   For a less biased insight into a company and the skill level of its technicians, you can check their Google review score and read the reviews left by clients on Google Maps. You can also check to see if the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau.
   Finally, ask your neighbors, friends, and family members for referrals. Word of mouth is a powerful tool because you’ll get the advice you can actually trust.
3. Local Knowledge: If an HVAC company is nationally based, there’s no way of knowing whether the furnace repair technician who visits your home is familiar with the unique needs of your area. Local technicians know your city or state laws and regulations regarding heating and cooling installation and repair.
   Not only that but if you have an emergency, you know you can rely on them to turn up at your home promptly.
4. Punctuality: You have an HVAC emergency. It’s unbearably hot outside, and your air conditioning has suddenly given up on you. You book a time with HVAC services and can’t wait for the technician to arrive on your doorstep. You wait and wait… and wait.
   If a technician is a no-show or shows up late, it reflects poorly on them and their company. You’re unlikely to hire them again. On the flip side, if a technician shows up on your doorstep right on the dot and is ready to work, it’s a sign you’ve found someone you can trust.
   It’s also a sign that any repair work that needs to get done will be finished on time.
   Most companies will provide a timeframe when their technician will arrive, usually a one to two-hour window. At the very least, if they’re stuck in traffic or are late for another reason, they should give you a call to let you know what time they’ll arrive.
5. Offers Options: Heating and cooling systems are complicated. There are a lot of moving parts and a lot of potential ways something can break.
   As such, good HVAC technicians are prepared for any eventuality. They’re knowledgeable about the makes and models common to the area. They have a service van full of spare parts, tools, and the latest equipment.
   If the problem turns out to be something unusual or different than expected, they’ll likely still be able to fix it then and there. If they can’t, they’ll tell you what they need, how much it will be, and how long it will take.
   And before any work even gets started, they should take the time to assess the situation and let you know how long you can expect to have them in your home.
6. Fair Pricing: Typically, choosing the cheapest technician will lead to problems down the road. They’re likely to be less experienced (hence the lower charge) or will source lower-quality parts and cut corners to reduce their overheads.
   A reputable HVAC technician will be transparent with their pricing, even if it’s a bit more expensive. They won’t hesitate to tell you the cost of any parts, their service charges, and the company’s warranty and insurance policies.
   They’ll also offer a free in-home estimate for any extensive equipment repairs or replacements. It’s a smart move to compare estimates from a few different technicians.