Get ready to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is certainly heating up here in Pacheco. Your AC will need to be ready for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a wise idea to have an AC repair professional identified and thoroughly vetted before your AC has any troubles surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be ideal if you could just pick the first number out of the phone book and be assured that they’ll do a good job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate circumstances. We don’t want to leave you sweating a shady repairman or the heat so the team at Clean Air HVAC has some red flags to watch out for that let you know you may be dealing with a dishonest company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Before Starting Work
A reputable company will provide you with an estimate in advance of beginning any work. Any company asking for payment prior to starting work is a big red flag. Another request of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to problems down the road having your problem fixed properly or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Before Inspection
A technician may have an inkling of what is going wrong with your air conditioner just by talking with you, but they won’t know for certain until they have actually inspected your system. Look for a company that will provide you with an estimate only following an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve seen even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know you have to get it in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the job and charges into writing, don’t trust them to complete the work. By getting a signed contract before work begins you’re making certain that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no unanticipated costs after work has been completed.
4) They aren’t licensed
Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but a great number of them do. You can find out online and see if licenses are required in your area. If you are living in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re safeguarding yourself from a company that uses inexperienced workers. And any problems or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you encounter a company that is operating without a license, there’s almost certainly a reason for that and you’ll want keep clear.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a credible AC repair technician in the Pacheco area. The pros at Clean Air HVAC are ready to get the job done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 925-233-6238 to schedule an appointment up with us anytime.