February 17, 2020
It should come as no secret that not all HVAC companies are created equal. While many companies exist to help their customers, practice their trade, and make their community better, there are unfortunately those who simply don’t have their heart in the right place, can leave their customers exposed to all kinds of risks, and create far more headaches than they actually resolve. And for the average homeowner who simply needs their heating or cooling system fixed, being able to tell the difference between the two isn’t always easy.
If you want to make sure you’re hiring a reputable contractor to fix your HVAC system, then knowing what to look for is a vital part of the selection process. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll always choose a quality contractor unless you call our team here at EnviroSafe Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Water Treatment, we can tell you about seven things you should look for when considering a potential candidate to take on the job.
Appropriate Licenses
The first thing you should always look for from any home service technician, be it a heating and cooling contractor, plumber, technician, or anything in between, is an appropriate license from a governing body. A license is the government’s way of indicating those who have demonstrated an acceptable level of mastery over their craft, and that means that they have a certain degree of accountability as well. Every licensed technician is registered with the state of New Jersey, and that means you’ll have someone you can turn to if things go wrong.
Bonds & Insurance
While a license says that a contractor has a degree of skill, bonds and insurance policies ensure that you’re not at risk when they come to service your home. Did you know that if a technician is injured while servicing your home that you could be at risk of being sued for their injuries? Through premises liability laws, you could be on the hook if a technician is hurt while providing a service, even if it’s not necessarily your fault or anything you had control over. This is where insurance policies come in—an insured contractor will be able to protect you from this risk and be able to cover their crew members should anything happen.
Bonds protect your home by providing contractors with financial backing in the event something goes wrong during the service and seriously damages your home. For example, if a technician fixing a slab leak accidentally punctures a water line and starts to flood your basement, a bond will help pay for the additional repairs needed due to the mistake and ensure your home remains financially covered.
The Price Says A Lot
There’s one major truth in this world: money talks. And when it comes to the price of a service, money can certainly say a lot. Nobody wants to pay the most for a job; why pay twice as much for something when you don’t have to? Well, the truth is that it also says a lot when it comes to contractors. Beware any contractors that charge significantly less than the rest. A price that’s too low usually means corners will be cut somewhere, and you’re probably going to end up paying even more to fix that repair in addition to the original problem as a result.
A Physical Address
Beware any contractor that does not have a physical office address that they are based out of. A contractor that has a physical office located somewhere is going to have their roots in the community and be tied to the area they serve. A contractor that simply works out of their truck does not really have any ties to their area and could just as easily vanish and never be seen again should they decide to do so. That’s not good news for you if you’re relying on a contractor to complete a serious job quickly and honestly. Unfortunately, the horror stories exist, but you don’t have to fall victim to one by simply looking for a contractor who is rooted in their community.
Professionally Marked Service Vehicles
Believe it or not, the quality of a company’s appearance says a lot about them. Professional uniforms and distinctly-marked service vans are actually a pretty strong sign that you can trust a technician. A quality vinyl wrap or other type of vehicle graphics are a serious investment, and will not be undertaken by someone who isn’t genuinely trying to build up a successful business. If you see a truck driving around on the road advertising for heating and cooling services but the look is anything but professional, we strongly suggest you stay away.
References From Previous Customers
If you’re looking for a truly honest and straightforward opinion about the service that a particular company can provide, ask for references from previous customers. Any reputable company will happily provide them, and good companies will even ask if they can use you as a reference in the future if you’re completely happy with the service you received. Previous customers are the best way to gauge the quality of an HVAC contractor, and there’s no better way to talk to some of them than to simply ask your contractor for the information of a few people you can directly reach out to.
Recognition From Industry Giants
Finally, customers may be one way to build reputation, but recognition can also come directly from the industry itself. Check for your contractor on places like Yelp, Angie’s List, or with the Better Business Bureau. These third-party companies are completely unbiased and allow customers to provide honest feedback about their experiences. If a company has a really poor rating in these places, then avoid them. If their ratings are good and they have loads of different reviews from all different types of customers, then you can trust them far easier.
If you need your heating and cooling system serviced, our team at EnviroSafe Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Water Treatment can help! Dial (856) 208-5108 now to request an appointment.
