How to Know You’re Hiring a Pro Rather Than an Unqualified AC Tech

When you are choosing a company to service your AC or heating system, you need to choose carefully. Going with the cheapest bid or overlooking a technician’s state registration status can make the headache of a malfunctioning AC unit worse. So, how do you know if an AC tech in Fair Oaks, CA is legit? Here are five tips for finding the right HVAC technician and what to look out for in bad AC companies:

• Check out customer reviews: Online reviews are ubiquitous, and have evolved into a reliable way to assess any service provider. Google Reviews, Angie’s List and Home Advisor are just a few sites that provide reliable review platforms. Social media is also a good place to check out reviews. Look at reviews in a holistic context—don’t worry if there are one or two bad reviews, because there are people who are never happy with anything. But if you see a pattern of bad reviews, you may wish to move on to another AC company. Also, beware of generic reviews that could apply to any service provider. Those may be fraudulent or paid reviews.
• Review employee feedback: There are employment-specific sites like Glassdoor that contain employee reviews of a company, but you can also find these on Yelp or Google. Basically, a company that values its workers will also treat its customers well. Technicians who receive fair pay and feel important and valued are also less likely to provide subpar service. Employee feedback is important, and if worker reviews reveal low pay, unrealistic expectations and endless drama, it’s best to move on.
• Insist on being informed: A reputable AC company will have no problem explaining what’s wrong with your system and how to fix it. They should also be willing to give estimates in writing and explain how they came up with those costs. Since most customers are not HVAC experts, it is too easy for disreputable companies to take advantage and exaggerate the extent of the damage. So, if your questions are brushed off or even sneered at, find another company to fix your system.
• Look at the “likes”: A company with 1,000 social media likes is not necessarily a reliable service provider. Many companies in all industries pay for services that artificially enhance online “likes,” and it may give you the wrong idea. Click on the likes and see where those people are from. If you see likes from Russia, India or anywhere else far away, those likes were probably purchased. Most companies in our field grow by word of mouth, not social media attention.
• Ask for written estimates: If your AC system requires extensive repairs, ask for a written and itemized estimate. You should know the costs of parts and labor and not rely on one number that allegedly covers both. Also, written estimates are documented and leave less room to overcharge later.

Now that you know what to look out for in bad AC companies in Fair Oaks, CA, call a good one instead. Cassel Air Conditioning and Heating Service offers reliable heating and AC repair. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Categorised in: HVAC Contractor

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