Some things in life shouldn’t be taken lightly and hiring someone for AC repair in Tampa is one example. Whether you have a brand-new build or an outdated home, you should take air conditioner repair seriously. Hiring the wrong company can cost you money and leave you without a working system.
To prevent making the wrong decision, you should consider several factors. Before you hire someone for your Tampa HVAC repair, think about the following details:
- Are They Available?
HVAC systems don’t have any consideration for your comfort when they fail. They often fail when you need them the most. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as being left without a working air conditioner on a humid Florida day.Therefore, one of the first things you should consider is a company’s availability. Will they be able to get to you quickly? You shouldn’t have to wait weeks for air conditioner repair in Tampa. If a company has no or limited availability, look elsewhere.
When you call, find out how soon the company will be able to make a service call. It’s also important to find out about the window in which they will arrive. Can they narrow down a time, or do you need to take the day off from work to have open availability?
- Whether or Not They Have Insurance
To save money, you might consider looking for a handyman online. And while an uninsured handyman may seem cheaper than an experienced repair expert, your decision’s long-term cost could be astronomical.Working with an uninsured company or individual puts your finances at risk. If there’s an accident on your property, you could be responsible for their medical bills. Furthermore, you have no guarantees that your system won’t be damaged during the repairs. In the end, you might need to hire someone else to repair the issues caused by your unlicensed worker.
- Their Licensing
According to local laws, a technician that offers AC repair in Tampa needs to meet certain licensing requirements. However, not all companies follow the requirements. The requirements are in place to protect you, so you must work with someone who has up-to-date licensing.In Florida, a licensed HVAC technician must be 18, have a four-year degree and 2,000 hours of service, or have four years of experience in the industry. Then, they need to pass a state exam. Hillsborough County may also have certain requirements. If you can’t find out whether or not a business or technician is licensed, call and ask someone for their licensing details.
- Find Out About Documentation
Fixing an air conditioner requires some electrical work. Therefore, most HVAC repairs involve permits. A reputable air conditioning repair company will handle the permitting process. However, not all companies are willing to do the work.Before you hire someone, ask them whether or not you need a permit for the repair. If you do, find out whether or not they will obtain the permit. You shouldn’t have to do the work yourself.
Without the proper documentation or permits, you won’t face immediate consequences. But when the time comes to sell your home, you could face penalties. The lack of documentation could even result in a sale falling apart.
- Warranty Information
When you interview HVAC companies, be sure to ask about their warranty. A company that offers no warranty or a short warranty puts your HVAC system and finances at risk. There’s no guarantee that their repair will work, and no warranty means that you’re on the hook for future repairs.Every company offers unique terms for warranties. Find out how long the warranty lasts and what the terms are. When a company has an extended warranty that covers several scenarios, they are guaranteeing good work.
- Reputation for AC Repair in Tampa
While no company has only positive reviews, some HVAC repair businesses have better reviews than others. Typically, an inexperienced or unreliable company will have many negative reviews that echo the same concerns.During the hiring process, do some research on your options. Check online reviews, look at social media posts about them, and ask friends or family members for their experiences. If you see any red flags, you might want to find a different company.
- How They Handle Communication
When it comes to any repair business, communication is key. This is especially true in the HVAC industry. If an HVAC repair technician doesn’t communicate well, you could be in for some trouble.Communication matters for several reasons. For one, you need to know when the technician will be arriving to make the repairs. Secondly, you need to be able to express your concerns. After all, you’re the one who lives in the home and has seen the system malfunction first-hand. A good technician will listen to what you have to say.
Finally, communication is the only way to understand what’s happening with your HVAC system. You deserve to know what the problem is, how the repair will happen, and how much the repair will cost.
You can usually tell a lot about a company’s communication from an initial phone call. Was the person who answered the phone friendly? Did they respond promptly, or did you need to call multiple times?
- What Services They Offer
Some HVAC repair companies offer more limited services than others. While choosing an expert, consider their services. You might want to work with a company that offers both repairs and new installations. If your system has too many problems, replacement may be the most affordable option. You shouldn’t have to call another company to get the job done.Another important service is the emergency service. On a boiling hot day, a working air conditioner is a necessity. Will someone be able to immediately repair your system?
By taking your time to select the right company for AC repair in Tampa, you can make sure the job gets done properly the first time around. Call us at Comfort All-Stars and learn more about our services.
