Temperatures continue to creep up in Lodi, which means one thing – your AC is about to go in to full blown summer mode and run more often. 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 basic as selecting a name and number out of a phone book like it used to be, and there are plenty of companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your difficulty. That’s why Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning has put together a few things to keep an eye out for in an AC repair technician.
So how will 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 at risk of not having your AC repair completed, it can easily lead to shoddy work and a bunch of frustration if you have any trouble after the work is completed. Plain and simple, most reputable contractors will provide 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 out and examined your air conditioner to get the complete picture of what is the issue with your system, how can you be 100 percent sure that they fixed the issue? Choose someone who is willing to give you an honest estimate after they come and inspect your air conditioner to completely comprehend 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 might as well be handing over a signed, blank check. With any AC repair, you could run in to things here or there that also need attention, but they can be added to the agreed upon contract after.
Having a signed contract from the get-go means you are on the same page with your contractor when it comes to what is being worked on, what is being swapped out, 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 a lot do. Do a quick search online to find out 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 keeps you from using a contractor with less than capable workers, and in the event you run in to a headache, you can to report any issues with the work you received.
Usually 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 figure they’re up to no good.
Sure, these four tips may not prevent every encounter with an undesirable contractor, but they can help you figure out who to trust and who not to trust in the Lodi area. Fortunately for you, you can always trust the experienced experts at Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning to get the job done correctly the first time. Give them a call at 209-257-3156.