With summer well underway, homeowners are looking to ensure that their AC unit is operating at peak efficiency. Choosing a trustworthy HVAC contractor comes with its challenges, including weeding through the ones who don’t deliver on their promises.
To help our readers in and outside of Calgary, we’ve created the following guide on how to choose the best air conditioning repair contractor that will perform a professional job.
Check for License and Credentials
You’ll want to ensure that the contractor you’re hiring is certified or licensed. A quality HVAC servicing company will only hire licensed journeymen. Furthermore, if the company is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, their technicians should receive ongoing training specific to Carrier technology.
Take Experience into Consideration
When comparing prospective air conditioning repair services, check to see how many years they’ve been serving in the industry. You want a company that has extensive experience with older models while keeping updated with the latest technology to be able to service newer homes.
Be Wary of Low Quotes
The cheaper option doesn’t always mean the best one. Shop for quotes from at least 5 companies to get a good idea of the average cost for air conditioning repair in Calgary or wherever you’re located. If a contractor provides an estimate that is much lower than the others, it can be a red flag for sub-standard service. Always ask what that estimate includes.
A quality air conditioning repair or service should have the technician checking the following:
• Compressor, fan blades and contacts
• Refrigerant levels and any recharges
• Thermostats
• Safety controls
• Condition of evaporator and condenser controls
• Condensate drain trap and pan
• All access panels
• All electrical connections
• Any disconnects
Read Reviews
Keep in mind, any HVAC company can claim experience and provide credentials on their website. It’s always good practice to search the company or contractor online and read customer reviews and testimonials. Look for a considerable collection of positive testimonials outside of their website to get a better understanding of customer experiences.
Call or Visit
Of course, one of the best ways to confirm whether or not an HVAC company or contractor is trustworthy is to speak with them in person or on the phone. Their ability to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide friendly and expert advice will give you an insight into how they do business.