When your heating unit breaks down in the middle of a cold evening in Fort Myers, FL, you may be tempted to call the first technician who lives in your neighborhood. However, this isn’t the best approach. Picking a heating repair company without doing adequate research could land you in more trouble than it’s worth. Here’s what to look for in a heating company:
1. Licensed, Insured, and Bonded
Getting your heating system repaired can involve a lot of complex parts and issues. For one thing, there may be a carbon monoxide leak. Not any technician can repair this properly. You will need a technician who is not only experienced but also licensed, insured, and bonded.
Why is this important? Using licensed technicians mean that you are guaranteed years of experience and know-how. Different states have different requirements, but most states do require a minimum amount of education as well as on-the-job work experience. They must also pass an exam. A licensed technician will also be aware of the required safety codes. This is crucial because heating repair involves working with electricity.
You should also check if the heating repair company is insured and bonded. This protects you, the customer. HVAC companies must have liability insurance in case an accident happens in your home. Without insurance, you’re taking a huge risk in the event of an accident.
Lastly, check if the technicians are NATE certified. NATE certification promotes excellence and high-quality service. To get this certification, technicians must specialize in HVAC systems for years.
2. References and Reviews
One of the first things you’ll want to do when you discover a heating repair company is to go online to see what the reviews are like. Don’t settle for a company that has just one or two reviews. You’ll want to know that the heating repair company has been serving customers for a long time and has been providing high-quality services for years. A lot of customers should translate to a lot of reviews.
References are important, too. A good heating repair company should have a list of references that you can contact in case you have questions about the company’s services. It’s important that you contact those references to discuss if the job was done fairly, on time, and for the price stated.
3. Price and Estimates
If your preferred heating repair company is too expensive, you may be forced to move on. Getting an estimate for your heating repair job is important because it simply lets you know whether or not you can afford the expense. Shop around to see what the ballpark figure for your repair would cost. Then, you can narrow your choice down to affordability as well as experience.
While you may not want to choose a company that is too expensive, don’t fall for a company that is too cheap. This could mean the technicians aren’t licensed, very experienced, or even good at what they do. The last thing you want is a faulty repair that ends up being problematic. And a problematic repair could end up costing you more money in the future.
4. Industry Knowledge
If your heating system is unique and has cutting-edge technology, you’ll need to find a technician who knows your system. Call heating repair companies to find out which ones have experience fixing your heating system and what they will charge to fix it. If they’re not familiar with your heating unit, it won’t do you any good to hire them. If you have a run-of-the-mill furnace or heat pump, do the research anyway. Some heating repair companies fix all brands and models, but not all do.
Contact us today to schedule service!
