Your heating and air conditioning equipment has to be properly maintained in Birmingham, AL, especially for it to keep running efficiently. But beyond changing out the filter on a regular basis, there is not much homeowners can do. That’s why it’s really important to have someone to call when you need help with repairs or replacements. But what should you look for in an HVAC company?
Will Anyone Answer the Phone?
Technically, a broken heater or air conditioning unit doesn’t usually constitute a life-threatening emergency. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to keep cool or warm if this happens during extreme weather. Additionally, most major equipment tends to break during non-business hours. Maybe the reason for this is that both your heater and your AC have to work harder when you’re home—or it could just be pure coincidence.
Fortunately, most companies provide after-hours emergency services—which is helpful, so you don’t have to freeze all weekend long if your furnace happens to stop working on a Friday night in January. A contractor who doesn’t offer emergency service is not someone we recommend doing business with. And, ideally, someone will answer the phone during business hours as well.
Do They Know Enough?
Legitimate heating and air conditioning companies hire certified technicians. This means that the people who will be working on your system know what they’re doing. It’s also important for technicians to keep up to date. Contractors who aren’t familiar with new technology may steer you away from energy-efficient equipment just because they don’t know how to properly install, maintain, or repair it.
The good news is that it’s easy to find out whether a company’s employees are certified appropriately. All you have to do is ask. You should know that there are different types of certifications available. Some companies are certified dealers for the equipment they sell, and with other companies, the technicians are certified in their industry. Of course, when it comes to certifications, more is always better.
Can They Fix It Quickly?
The worst part about hiring anyone to come and repair your heater or air conditioning is having to wait around for them. The best contractors show up on time or let you know when they’re running late. However, showing up is only half the job.
We understand that it’s impossible to foresee everything. However, we realize that there are certain parts that have to be replaced quite often. In order to reduce the amount of time it takes to repair our customers’ equipment, our technicians always arrive with a fully stocked service vehicle.
