7 Factors to Consider When Choosing an HVAC Repair Service

Did you know that simply replacing your air conditioner’s air filters can reduce its energy use by 5% to 15%? The U.S. Department of Energy wants you to know that regular maintenance is good for the environment and your pocketbook, also. Unfortunately, despite even the most well-informed Texas homeowner’s efforts, they may be losing out. Finding an HVAC repair service in Forney can become “necessary” in a panic, but starting now can save time and costly energy bills (and contractor invoices) later.

Whether you’re searching for the first time or the hundredth, some time-tested advice can go a long way. When you don’t understand how to evaluate insured HVAC repair companies, you want to start with a solid checklist of factors.

Get started with your evaluation efforts by considering the elements we’ve identified in the sections below. Your journey toward the perfect contractor for your home is only a short read away!

1. Experience: The amount of HVAC repair experience certainly matters, but it’s even more crucial to dive further into the details.

For example, has the company worked on any houses in your Dallas neighborhood recently? How much of their business is residential versus commercial? Do they understand the quirks of working with a ranch-style home versus a split-level?

You can start to understand the answers to these questions by exploring the portfolio on the company website. However, you’ll want to direct your inquiries to someone you know will give you a straight answer.

2. Reputation: Understanding the quality of service always starts with online customer reviews these days, but that’s the easy part. The follow-through, much like a baseball swing, is what leads to home runs.

After you feel comfortable with the ratings and create a shortlist of businesses, start reaching out to friends and family. If someone you trust has experience with this type of a decision, that may prove invaluable to your efforts.

Finally, don’t forget to check the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Companies may become savvy enough to hide problems from review sites, but they can’t hide from the BBB in Texas.

3. Certifications: Depending on where you live, the state or county may have unique requirements for certified contractors. A quick search of local rules can also help you plan for local fees or other local concerns.

For a start, any professional you consider should have a Section 608 Technician Certification. As part of the Clean Air Act, any technician that works with machines that release refrigerants must pass this test.

While it’s not mandatory, an R-410A Certification should be a standard expectation for homeowners. The EPA offers this special training that reduces liability while working with these popular types of air conditioners.

4. Home Estimate: The home evaluation may speak volumes about an organization’s values and commitment to exceeding expectations. For example, consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Was the representative respectful of your home and property?
• Did they arrive early, on time, or late?
• Do you feel like the company has more work than it can handle?
• Did you feel like you received straight answers to your inquiries?

While some companies will try hard-selling tactics, others may not answer many of your questions to your satisfaction. The key is to find the appropriate balance that also gives you the confidence to sign on the dotted line.

5. Pricing: Comparing repair costs depends on what you value you want to gain from a local service. The cheapest option may not give you the same good feelings that a highly reliable but pricey company can provide.

Beyond making judgments, you may want to examine how they present fees for air conditioner maintenance and repair. For example, some businesses may provide a break on servicing costs instead of materials, or vice versa. In some cases, you may only receive an offer for a flat rate from contractors in the Dallas area.

If you’re feeling particularly anxious about the terms, don’t hesitate to ask questions or request modifications. You may find that you have more room to negotiate than you may believe at first.

6. References and Referrals: If the companies you’re considering have customers nearby, they likely have homeowners like yourself that can give a valuable perspective. A business that hesitates to provide a reference may have more to hide than anyone would feel comfortable knowing.

If you belong to Facebook groups for your community, consider asking for referrals from other members. If someone in your HOA had a positive experience, they have an interest in connecting their neighbors to the same resource. They can also provide valuable perspectives about how long HVAC systems last and what to expect along the way.

7. Scheduling: Good contractors always have a packed schedule, but you don’t want to find yourself waiting too long either.

Ask for a candid response about availability and what you should expect while fixing HVAC systems. The company’s follow-through should be obvious from the comments on review sites. If they’re habitually late or underwhelming, it’s definitely time to review your options again.

Even the most efficient operations can become overwhelmed, so what matters is how they respond to your needs. If you have a regular schedule in mind, seek assurances that someone will be there when you expect them.