When it comes to choosing an AC repair company, most Rhode Island homeowners aren’t sure where to begin. Most people don’t give our AC systems much thought until there’s a problem. When there is, they want it fixed and they want it done fast. But they also want to know that the AC repair company we choose is honest and reliable.
Over our 30+ years in the AC repair business here in Rhode Island, we’ve seen a lot of competitors come and go. We’ve also heard a lot of horror stories about price-gouging and shoddy workmanship from people who chose the wrong AC repair company.
So, how do you find the right AC company to help with the repairs? Here are a few key factors to consider.
How Experienced is the AC Repair Company
Find out how much experience the company has. You can either ask them directly or find out this information from their website. Some of the questions you need to be answered include:
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they do AC repair full time or part time?
- Do they have experience working with your particular AC model?
- Is the Company Licensed?
You should never hire an unlicensed AC company to work on your unit. If something goes wrong, that license will be vital to getting help from the authorities. Again, you can directly ask the contractor to show you their license number. Alternatively, look up this information on their website. While you’re at it, you should also find out if the AC repair company you’re considering hiring has worker’s compensation insurance.
How Much will it Cost to Repair Your Unit?
You need to find out about the approximate total cost of the repair before the work begins. Get a written, itemized estimate, making sure that it includes labor and material. Also ask about any available discounts, special offers or tax rebates if applicable.
Is the AC Repair Company a Member of the BBB?
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is helpful if you want to double check a company’s consumer ratings. On the BBB website, you’ll see whether there are any resolved or unresolved complaints against the company. It’s best to choose an AC contractor who is Accredited by the BBB and has a rating of at least “A”. Click the link to learn more about BBB Accreditation Standards. Don’t hesitate to contact your local BBB office if you have any further questions about their standards or about a particular company.
Get Referrals from Past Customers
If you already have a few AC contractors in mind, you can go ahead and begin interviewing them. If you don’t, it’s a good idea to get referrals from friends, family, and co-workers who have had AC repairs recently. If that’s not possible, you can check Google Reviews which can be found in local search results, Yelp, and other review sites.
Get everything in writing
Never bank on verbal agreements with any AC contractor. The service agreement should be in writing and signed by both parties. A signed contract protects you by specifying the job done, job costs, project schedule, and even warranties. Read the contract carefully and only sign after fully understanding the fine print.
Finally, be sure the AC repair company you go with offers a written guarantee. Again, be sure to read it carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you come across anything you don’t fully understand.
Of course, the best way to choose an AC repair company is to do so before a problem arises. A good way to do this is to schedule a routine inspection of your system. This will give you plenty of time to research the local AC repair companies in your area and can also identify small issues before they become big problems.
We hope you found this article helpful. Please contact us if you have additional questions, or to schedule an inspection of your AC system.