Choosing an HVAC contractor to trust with your home’s repairs can be a daunting task. Most people don’t think about who they are going to work with until they have a problem with their system. Hopefully, calling for service or repair on your heating and cooling system isn’t something you frequently do. But, that can make it challenging to build a trusting relationship with an HVAC contractor.
How to Choose an HVAC Contractor
So, how do you know if an HVAC contractor is doing good work? Can you trust them to be working inside your home? Is the contractor recommending more work or services that are genuinely required? Since many homeowners aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of air conditioning and heating, it can be tough to answer these questions.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to selecting an HVAC contractor you can trust.
1) Is the business registered as a licensed HVAC contractor?
In the state of Texas, contractors and technicians must be licensed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TLDR).
Besides following the law, working with a licensed contractor has many benefits. There are requirements for experience, insurance, and continuing education. You should ask any HVAC contractor in the state of Texas for their license number and use TDLR’s license search to verify the license is active. Feel free to try DTC’s contractor license number to test the search out: 11837.
Keep in mind that there are two types of licenses; contractor and technician. Even if a technician has an active license, they must be working under a contractor with a license according to Texas law.
2) Do they have positive references?
One way to predict whether you can trust an HVAC contractor is if they have favorable references from other people. It’s best if you can ask a friend or neighbor you know personally for a recommendation.
If you don’t have anyone nearby you can ask, reading online reviews can give you a good feel. Looking at a company’s Google Business Page or Facebook Reviews is a great start.
You can also ask a contractor for references. Any reputable company will be able to provide testimonials and references from happy customers.
3) Who will be completing the work?
Depending on the size and scope of your HVAC service, the contractor may have different people come to your home. For example, one person may come to evaluate your system and provide a quote, while a different person comes out to perform the work. Be sure to ask about the qualifications of each person on your team.
Some HVAC contractors will sub out their work. In other words, the contractor hires technicians that are not employees of their company to service your home. These technicians are not under the regular management or training of the company hired, so the quality of work may not be up to par. At DTC, we never sub out our work. All of our technicians are employees of our company.
In addition, at DTC we strive to always send the same technician to your house for every call. That way, you can become familiar with the person working in your home. One of our core values to ensure that customers feel comfortable; that means both in temperature and in peace of mind.
4) Are they knowledgable?
A trustworthy HVAC contractor will be able to answer all of your questions. Don’t feel nervous about asking any questions! After all, you own the equipment being serviced and the home where it is at. It’s your right to get clarification where needed.
If a technician seems to dodge questions or isn’t able to explain answers to your satisfaction, that could be a red flag. Honest contractors will take time to describe every step in the process until you feel secure.
All of our employees here at DTC complete regular training on heating and cooling install, service, and repair. That, combined with our everyday experience, makes us a knowledgeable resource you can rely on.
5) Do they provide written estimates and proposals?
Lastly, a reputable HVAC contractor will always provide estimates in writing upon request. Without a written estimate, you may feel that a contractor is setting you up for a bait and switch. Any HVAC contractor that wants to earn your trust will be happy to provide documentation about pricing, work to be completed, and job schedules.
Trust DTC For your HVAC Needs! Licensed Contractor in Georgetown, TX
Deciding who should repair or replace your heating and cooling system is important. Hiring the right contractor will keep your system running smoothly for the long run. If you’re looking for an HVAC contractor you can trust, call DTC today for service. We’ll happily send out one of our dependable technicians to your home today!