It’s always a good idea to do your due diligence before you hire any company. That’s especially true when it’s something as important as your furnace.
Bid
HVAC units are not particularly simple, and symptoms can often have multiple causes. You shouldn’t trust anyone who claims that they can give you an accurate bid over the phone. It’s simply impossible to give you a good estimate about the work needed and the associated cost without looking at the system. A bid should always be given in person, after the technician has thoroughly examined the problem. Any hasty estimate or over-the-phone bid is either a guess or a hoax, and you’ll likely pay far more in the end that you had thought. It also indicates a lack of professionalism, which is something you should avoid.
Experience
Heating and cooling systems take time to master. Technicians usually start as apprentices or assistants, and it can take years to really know the ins and outs. While it’s unfortunate, fly-by-night companies do spring up periodically. They have no interest in really doing the work. All they want is to make quick cash and then disappear. A business that has been around for years has a reputation to maintain, and they’re far more likely to employ experienced, certified technicians.
Reputation
As you know, in business your reputation is everything. It’s how you keep customers over the long run, and it’s the way you win over new customers. Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before hiring any company. You can look at the website or you call for information. You can also check review sites like Angie’s List or Kudzu. Word of mouth is sometimes your most reliable option. Ask your friends, neighbors or family members about companies they’ve used in the past. You may be able to get excellent recommendations just by asking around. Don’t feel obligated to go with a business simply because it was recommended. You’re always encouraged to contact the company and visit their office. You can get a good initial impression of a business by stopping in and speaking with them.
Task
People don’t always specialize in the same areas. Some companies focus on installation or they do more work with air conditioning than they do with heating. Obviously, if you need your furnace replaced, you should make sure that they have extensive experience in that area. If they specialize in air conditioning, you should find someone else. Not all HVAC services in McDonough, GA, are created equally. You may also look at the brands that they recommend. Many companies have preferred brands, and those will be the types of units that they have the most hands-on experience with. All of those hours add up quickly, and you may find a technician who does superb work with your system in particular. Never hesitate to ask questions. The more you know, the better decision you can make.