Temperatures continue to rise in Franklin Lakes, which means one thing – your AC is about to go in to full blown summer mode and run quite a bit more. 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 easy 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 adversity. That’s why Total Comfort has put together a couple things to look for in an AC repair technician.
So how can you know if you’re dealing with an untrustworthy 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 in danger of not having your AC repair completed, it can easily lead to careless work and a bunch 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 prior to work beginning.
2) Offers a specific AC repair cost without inspecting the system
If a contractor hasn’t come by and checked your air conditioner to get the complete picture of what is wrong with your system, how can you be 100 percent sure that they corrected the issue? Find someone who is willing to offer you an honest estimate after they come and inspect your air conditioner to fully understand 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 could run in to things here or there that also need to be handled, but they can be added to the agreed upon contract afterwards.
Having a signed contract from the beginning means you are on the same page with your contractor when it comes to what is being worked on, 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 many do. Do a quick search online to learn 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 protects you from using a contractor with less than skilled workers, and in the event you run in to an issue, you have the ability to report any issues with the work you received.
Typically when you encounter a contractor operating 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 assume they’re up to no good.
Sure, these four tips may not thwart every encounter with an undesirable contractor, but they can help you figure out who to trust and who not to trust in the Franklin Lakes area. Fortunately for you, you can always trust the experienced team at Total Comfort to get the job done correctly the first time. Give them a call at 201-268-5663.