Owning a house requires a big investment of both time and money, which is why you want to be selective when hiring contractors. Your air conditioner is a vital part of your home, especially during Virginia’s hot summers. If something goes wrong, you want to find a professional you can trust. As such, let’s discuss some of the ways to find a good HVAC technician in Richmond. It’s worth the effort!
Professional Licensing
There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it — your home’s heating and cooling system is expensive. You wouldn’t want to pay an inexperienced or underqualified technician to do work on the intricate electrical components. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to avoid this problem.
Before even scheduling an appointment, review the company’s website for information about their licensing and accreditation. Many states mandate that HVAC professionals meet specific education and hands-on experience requirements. Don’t be shy about asking for proof of licensure and certification. If you skip this step, it could be a very costly mistake.
Written Estimates
We know that phone consultations would be convenient (and in the age of COVID-19, potentially safer), but you should be very wary of an HVAC technician who provides an estimate over the phone. There are a couple reasons for this. The first is that it’s much easier to go back on a verbal agreement and deny what was originally proposed. You need to make sure that the details of your estimate are fully documented.
A second reason is that every situation is different. What could look like a common problem might actually have a more complicated underlying cause. Further, equipment size, ductwork, and many other factors must be taken into consideration. For those reasons, you should expect HVAC professionals to visit your home to perform a thorough inspection before choosing a course of action.
Reviews, References, and Reputation
In today’s technology-driven world, it’s becoming easier than ever to learn more about products and services. When you’re searching for HVAC technicians in Richmond (or anywhere!), be sure to pay attention to what people are saying on Google, Facebook, and other platforms. It could make or break your decision to hire them!
Additionally, there’s nothing wrong with asking for a few references, especially if you’ll need a lot of work done. When contacting other clients, ask questions about whether the job was performed on time and within budget. Don’t forget about good old word-of-mouth, too! Ask friends, family, and coworkers if they’ve had any experiences with the company you’re considering hiring.
Payment Options
Whether you’ve been experiencing financial hardship or the need for HVAC repairs happened at the worst time, you might be having a hard time figuring out how to pay for the services. Talking about money can be uncomfortable, but doing a little research ahead of time can make things easier.
Look for businesses that offer flexible payment options. If it’s listed on their site, don’t be too shy to call and ask for clarification. Do they accept credit cards? Do they offer financing? If so, do you meet the criteria? Unless you can pay for everything up front, finding an HVAC contractor who will work with you is crucial.
Other Factors
While everything we’ve already discussed should weigh heavily on your decision to hire an HVAC technician, there are a few other factors to take into consideration:
- Is the HVAC contractor experienced with the heating and cooling system you use?
- Are you happy with the brands the HVAC company carries?
- Do they offer any tax rebates, credits, coupons, or other incentives?
- Are their products and services energy-efficient and/or environmentally-friendly?
- Does the HVAC company offer service contracts to provide ongoing maintenance?
Ultimately, you’ll have to do your research, gather the information, and then pick the HVAC professional that works best for you.
Licensed HVAC Technicians in Richmond
Since 1943, W.G. Speeks has been providing the highest-rated HVAC maintenance and repair of both residential and commercial heating and cooling systems in the Greater Richmond Region. After 75 years of dedication, we’ve earned the trust of our community.
W.G. Speeks hires NATE-certified technicians to ensure that you can feel confident in our services. Fully accredited by the Better Business Bureau, we treat our customers like family, offer personalized service and maintenance agreements, and provide secure payment options or financing.
We also provide a no-risk, free consultation (with a written estimate) to help you make informed decisions. Give us a call today — we’re here to help!