Temperatures continue to climb in Mount Pleasant, which means one thing – your AC is about to go in to full blown summer mode and run more often. That’s why it’s so critical to plan ahead and have an AC repair technician identified if your air conditioner decides it’s worked long enough and breaks down.
Of course it’s not as simple as choosing a name and number out of a phone book like it used to be, and there are a sufficient number of companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your difficulty. That’s why Olde Towne Heating & Air has put together a few things to look for in an AC repair technician.
So how might 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 might 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 shoddy work and a great deal of frustration if you have any trouble after the work is completed. Plain and simple, most respected contractors will give you an estimate and will not make you pay before the work begins.
2) Offers a specific AC repair cost without inspecting the system
If a contractor hasn’t stopped by and inspected your air conditioner to get the complete picture of what is the issue with your system, how can you be 100 percent sure that they fixed the issue? Choose someone who is willing to offer you an honest estimate after they come and inspect your air conditioner to wholly 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 can 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 start means you are on the same page with your contractor when it comes to what is being done, 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 a lot do. Do a quick search online to find out if your state requires a license so you know what you’re asking for when contacting a contractor. The benefit to living in a state that requires a license is that it keeps you from using a contractor with less than capable workers, and in the occasion you run in to a problem, you have the ability to report any issues with the work you received.
Normally when you encounter a contractor working 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 figure they’re up to no good.
Sure, these four tips may not prevent every encounter with an undesirable contractor, but they can help you determine who to trust and who not to trust in the Mount Pleasant area. Fortunately for you, you can always trust the experienced team at Olde Towne Heating & Air to get the job done correctly the first time. Give them a call at 843-485-0967.