There are a lot of HVAC companies in the Denver-metropolitan area. Many are reputable. Many more are not. This isn’t unique to our location. It’s just a fact of contracting in general. You’ll find just as many people trying to game the system and cut corners as you will contractors with solid reputations and strong service ethics. It’s important to make an effort to do a proper search for a quality HVAC contractor; otherwise, you could end up with shoddy work, faulty equipment, and repair bills far more than any money you may have saved going with the cheapest company. Here are a few things to keep in mind to save yourself a lot of heartaches.
Make Sure the Contractor Is Licensed
Contractors are required to list their license numbers on their vehicles, and most will also include them on their written estimates. If you don’t see a license number when they come out, make sure to request it. If they aren’t licensed, politely send them on their way. If they are, you can check here to make sure their license is still valid.
It’s also important to make sure the company’s employees are bonded and insured. It’s an excellent sign if they carry other certifications such as E.P.A., N.A.T.E., and Diamond Certification. And check out the company’s standing with the Better Business Bureau. You want to see an A rating. These are all indications that you’re dealing with a top-quality contractor.
Be Certain They Have a Proven Track Record
Particularly if you’re having an expensive service performed or a new system installed you want to make sure the company has been in business for a while. This demonstrates that they have the business savvy, and the business, to last in a competitive industry. Remember that your extended warranty won’t be worth anything if the company goes out of business. Before you spend a lot of money with a contractor be sure that they’re going to be around for the long haul to support the work they do.
Ideally, you should choose a company that’s been in business for at least seven years. And remember, “we have 15 years of HVAC experience” isn’t the same as “we’ve been in business for 15 years.” The difference is significant.
Don’t Work with a Company That Gives You a Quote over the Phone
Even for seemingly simple repairs a reputable HVAC contractor will come out and give your system an in-person inspection. Because HVAC systems are incredibly complex, and there’s just no way to be sure what’s causing a problem without inspecting it. For substantial repairs or new installations, your contractor should be examining every part of your existing system to be sure all subsystems are balanced. If even one detail is left to chance the entire system can perform poorly or cost you more money than it should.
If your contractor shows up, gives your system a cursory inspection, and then pretends they have the information they need, be skeptical.
It is worth noting that some repairs are easy to diagnose and don’t require the kind of whole-house inspection we just described. It’s not automatically a bad sign if your contractor identifies your problem quickly. It does depend on the issue.
If They Won’t Give You a Written Estimate, Opt for Someone Else
Reputable contractors will always provide a precise, thorough, written estimate that details the scope of work and the associated costs. Be sure they’re willing to explain it to you and repeat it if necessary until you understand what you’re getting. This is an indication of their customer service. If they aren’t willing to support you before they do the work, what makes you think they’ll give you decent support after they have your money?
At Summit Heating & A/C we’ve been in business for 20 years, with a proven track record of excellent service and satisfied customers. All of our technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, with the experience to do the job right, the first time. We’d love the opportunity to come out and give you a written estimate the next time you need service on your system. Call our N.A.T.E. certified experts today or click here to send us a message.
We look forward to speaking with you.
