Choosing an A/C contractor
- Choosing an A/C contractor is much like choosing any
other contractor. Quality work should carry a higher priority than a cheap
price. There are many "moon-lighters" that are unlicensed and will work for
a very cheap price, but wait until something goes wrong. Suddenly you can't
find that guy anymore. It's a good idea to select a contractor that relies
on YOU, the customer, for his livelihood. Taking care of the customer's
needs is the highest priority for a person that depends on the customer to
call him back when his expertise is needed.
- The best way to find a reputable HVAC contractor is
to ask your friends, family, and neighbors who they use. If you use the Yellow
pages be aware that the biggest ads cause the highest overhead. Some
of the most reliable contractors don't need to spend thousands for an ad
to attract more business.
- Find a contractor that's been around a while. The
failure rate in HVAC is around 20% per year. That means one out of five
will not be doing business next year. The failure rate drops off for HVAC
companies that have been around for 4 years. A1 Worcester Air was
established in 1991.
- Stick with a contractor that has highly qualified
technicians. How many years of experience does the tech have? Does he have
a degree in HVAC technology? Does the contractor employ techs that are fresh
out of school? Does the contractor hire sub-contractors for the service,
or is the tech an actual employee of the company?
- Ask about the warranty. The standard for new equipment
is 10 years on parts and 1 year labor. Extended warranties
can be applied to new equipment for a period of up to 10 years on compressor,
parts, and labor, or combination of those. Find out WHO backs the warranty.
Is it the contractor? or an insurance company? Most extended warranties
are nothing more than an insurance policy. TRANE
offers FACTORY BACKED extended warranties for their equipment.
- Be wary of very expensive repair estimates and get
a second opinion if you are told there's no hope for your A/C or heater. It's a sad fact that some techs really don't know
how to fix an A/C and he's going to try to sell you a new one regardless.
Some companies pay their techs based on how much new equipment they sell, so
their priority may be to make a sale rather than address the problem.
To check out a contractor's license status Click
here.
You can check with the Better Business Bureau
in Fort Worth or BBB in Dallas
Read about the Dallas/Ft. Worth ACCA
We have few complaints at the BBB See them
here.
Call A-1 Worcester Air at 817 784-9230
Maintaining
your system
Choosing an A/C contractor
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