How to Find a Good Heating/AC Technician Near You
You might be thinking, “Um, what? How can I find a good heating and air conditioning technician near me?” It’s a fair question. Finding a good HVAC technician takes time and research. Even if you have a good understanding of your home and the different systems within it, you need to look for the best HVAC contractors in your area. The good news is, you don’t need to go far to find one. Here are some quick tips on how to find a good HVAC technician near you.
Talk to Neighbors
In this day and age, most of us can find someone to ask for a recommendation. Even so, that’s not always the best route. Many people get recommendations from friends who have friended them on Facebook or other social media sites. Even so, those recommendations aren’t always a ringing endorsement. A better idea is to ask your neighbors for a recommendation. It’s likely that they know someone in the HVAC business, so chances are good that you’ll get a recommendation from someone you trust. It’s also likely that they’ll be able to tell you about their experience with the HVAC contractor they work with.
Check Online
Sure, you could call all of the local HVAC contractors in your area and see if they’re in business. Or, you could use an online search tool. You should choose a tool that allows you to see a variety of service options and reviews. Ideally, you should be able to see the number of reviews and stars the contractor has received on the site. If you are in an area where there’s a good presence of local contractors, you may also want to check out review sites like Yelp.
Call Local Contractors
This is an old-school approach, but it’s still a good idea. You can call the contractors and ask for a price estimate and schedule. Chances are good that you’ll get someone on the phone who is less busy than the person who takes your call. You can also ask some pointed questions, like how long it takes them to complete a job and how long they’ve been in business. You can also try calling a few contractors and asking for a referral. Tell them you want to find the best HVAC contractor in your area and you want some referrals. Chances are good that someone will give you a name.
Call Co-Op Agencies
Most of us who live in cities know about co-op agencies. These are companies that help homeowners find a contractor, including professionals like plumbers and electricians. By joining a co-op agency in your area, you can get access to a network of contractors and find someone who is a great fit. Co-op agencies are typically membership-based, but you can often get into a smaller agency for a one-time fee. There are drawbacks to using a co-op agency, including the fact that you’re limited to the contractors in that agency’s network. This means you might not get access to a contractor who is a good fit for your home. Co-op agencies also typically charge a fee.
Ask for References and Check Their Reputation
If you’re hiring a contractor for a long-term job, like an HVAC installation or a major repair, it’s a good idea to ask for references. If you’re hiring a contractor to do a one-time job, like spring cleaning of your gutters, you can check reputation sites, like Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Yelp. You can also ask for a contractor’s license and insurance proof. Checking these details will give you a sense of accountability and peace of mind.
Final Words: Is it Worth the Hassle?
Finding a good heating and air conditioning contractor can be tricky. Before you hire someone, make sure you’re confident you’ve found someone who is reliable and qualified to do the job. You can do this by asking for references and checking their license and insurance. If you think you’ve found a good contractor, make sure you get written estimates from each contractor you consider. This allows you to compare costs and make sure you’re getting a good price. If you’re hiring a contractor for a long-term job, like an HVAC installation or a major repair, be extra careful. Make sure the person you hire is qualified, reliable, and trustworthy.