An air conditioner (AC) is a staple in most American homes, especially in Houston, Texas where summers can get extremely hot and humid. A reliable AC can help keep your home cool and comfortable during the warm seasons. However, even the best AC can suddenly break down in the middle of summer, leaving you at the mercy of the hot weather.
When you experience an AC issue, you want to choose a reliable AC Repair Houston contractor to fix the problem. But how do you find the right one? This article shares important tips when hunting for a trustworthy AC repair professional.
- Look For Experience And Reputation
Experience and reputation are two of the most important things you need to look for in a reliable AC repair company in Houston. A reputable Houston AC contractor like 75 Degree AC should have years of experience with a stellar reputation in the industry. The longer they’ve been in the AC business, the higher chance that they provide quality repair services.
However, don’t just look at how many years they’ve been in the AC repair industry. You also need to look for their history and track records. In general, a simple Google search can provide you with dozens of reviews about a company. You can check testimonials on the AC repair service provider’s website or look for unbiased reviews from websites like Trustpilot.
Aside from online reviews, you can directly ask a provider for client references. Any reputable AC service provider won’t think twice about giving you a list of their previous clients. Once you’ve got with the list, set aside time to call the clients to get necessary information and insights about the provider and their services. Double-checking is a necessary step to find the best contractor.
- Ask For Qualifications and Licenses
Aside from experience and reputation, you need to ask about the necessary qualifications of their employees. After all, you’ll be actually dealing with the crew members, so you want to make sure that the workers who will be visiting your home to fix and repair your AC have the necessary licenses and skills.
In most parts of the world, AC repairs and services are regulated professions. This means that most states require AC professionals to have a license to work and operate. Take note that each state has its own licensing requirements. In Texas, an aspiring AC or HVAC contractor should be registered with the state. They should complete a 2,000-hour certification program or have additional work experience. They are also required to apply, take, and pass the licensing exam for AC contractors.
By hiring a licensed AC contractor, you can ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and proper skills to deal with all kinds of AC issues you may face. If possible, ask the company to assign the most experienced workers to you.
- Check For Proper Insurance And Bonding
Aside from having the best reputation and licensed crew members, the best AC repair service providers are insured and bonded.
Insurance can provide you peace of mind and reduce your liabilities. This means that if one of their employees caused damage to your property or got injured in your property while on the job, you don’t have to worry about getting sued or paying compensation.
Meanwhile, a bonded AC contractor in Houston means if the contractor did a terrible job in fixing your AC and you have to hire another company to fix the problem, the cost will be covered. It can also mean that if the company goes out of business halfway through its job, the cost of looking for and hiring a new provider to finish the job will be covered.
So before hiring an AC provider in Houston, ask for proof of their insurance policy and bonding. When they provide you with a copy, check with the insurance provider if it’s up to date.
- Compare Cost
According to Fixr, the average cost of fixing an AC ranges from USD$200–USD$600. However, serious problems like a bad coil leak or a damaged compressor can cost you up to USD$2,000.
With its high cost, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible. You want to consider if an AC contractor’s asking rate fits your budget. Therefore, do your research and get a full quote from at least three different providers in Houston and compare their pricing.
Take a closer look at the costs included in their estimates and always ask for any hidden costs. And if possible, ask for a more detailed breakdown of their quotation.
Takeaway
Whether your AC system suddenly dies out on you or you notice telltale signs of major AC problems, consulting a reliable AC contractor ensures that you can have the problem resolved right away.
Whether you’ll enjoy cool temperatures in your home or end up sweating as you fan yourself throughout the entire summer depends on who you’ll hire. Consider the tips above to find the right AC repair services in Houston.
