The time has arrived to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is certainly heating up here in Laurel. Your AC will need to be prepped for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a smart idea to have an AC repair professional selected and suitably vetted before your AC has any issues surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be nice if you could just pick the first number out of the phone book and have confidence that they’ll do a satisfactory job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate situation. We don’t want to leave you sweating a shady repairman or the heat so the team at H&C Heating and Cooling has some red flags to look out for that let you know you may be dealing with a dishonest company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Ahead of Starting Work
A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate before beginning any work. Any company demanding payment prior to starting work should set off the alarm bells. Another sign of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to annoyances down the road having your problem fixed correctly or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Prior to Inspection
A technician may have an idea of what is going wrong with your air conditioner just by talking with you, but they won’t be able to truly diagnose it until they have actually inspected your system. Find a company that will provide you with an estimate only after conducting an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve viewed even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know it doesn’t count unless it’s in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the work and charges into writing, don’t have faith in them to accomplish the work. By getting a signed contract preceding the work you’re guaranteeing that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no unanticipated costs after your repair is completed.
4) They aren’t licensed
Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but the majority do. You can look up online and see if licenses are required in your state. If you are living in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re protecting yourself from a company that uses untrained workers. And any complaints or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you find a company that is operating without a license, there’s most likely a reason for that and you’ll want to stay away.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a credible AC repair technician in the Laurel area. The pros at H&C Heating and Cooling are ready to get the work done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 301-960-3247 to schedule an appointment up with us anytime.