Erin Doman on June 22, 2015 39 Comments Your air conditioning system represents a significant investment, and when it isn’t working right it’s important to find a trusted technician to repair it. If you do not do your research on your technician, you could be paying someone for poor work or overpaying a tech for a basic task. Here are 12 things that you should know when hiring an air conditioning technician: 1. Learn More First of all, do some research. Familiarize yourself with your particular air conditioning system so that you know the type, brand, model, and maintenance history. Determine if there are any rooms that are particularly uncomfortable so that you have a rough idea of the extent of the problem. This will help guide your search. Becoming familiar with your air conditioning unit has other perks as well. The more time you spend learning about your specific unit, the more confident you will become when diagnosing any potential problems that you may come across. This knowledge could end up saving you money down the road when you understand how to fix your unit and don’t require a technician anymore. For trickier tasks, however, it is always a good idea to let a professional take over. It may cost you more money upfront, but you will end up saving money by ensuring that the repair is done correctly the first time and in the future won’t require frequent fixes. 2. Look Carefully How do you find a repair company? Start by asking around. See if there are any contractors that your friends or family have experience with and can recommend. If that doesn’t produce any results, try an online search or a review site. These sites are handy because they provide information about the personal experiences of people who have hired the particular technician before, so you know that the information is accurate. If there are poor reviews or no reviews, then that’s reason for concern. Also, check your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the technician you’re considering has any past complaints. Try to find at least three possible technicians for your consideration so that you’ll have multiple options. From there, you can decide based on credentials, availability, or costs. 3. Seek Out Experience Find out how much experience your potential contractor has either by contacting them directly or checking their website. Some relevant questions to consider about their expertise include: How long have they been in business? Are they full-time or part-time contractors? What experience do they have with your system in particular? Do they have any areas of special expertise? What continuing education or training have they had recently to keep up with changing technology? You’ll definitely want a professional, full-time contractor working on your home, and it’s best if they have experience with your specific air conditioning model. If your system has any special features (such as cutting-edge designs or very old parts) then try to find a contractor who has worked on similar systems before. 4. Learn About Legal Compliance Your contractor needs a license. Ask them for their license number—in most areas you can look up business licenses to see if they are current. In some places you may also be able to find records of past jobs. Also check to see if the company has proof of insurance, particularly liability and worker’s compensation coverage. If they don’t, then you could be held responsible for any accidents on your property. There should be a one-page certificate of insurance that you can verify. Finally, be sure to ask the contractor if they obey all health and safety regulations. 5. Look Up References The best way to find out about service quality is by contacting past customers. Ask the contractor for a list of customer references. One great tip is to ask the company only for customers whose names begin with a certain letter of your choice—that way you ensure that you’re getting a random sample of customers, not just their most satisfied clients. If the information is provided to you, try to contact three to five of these former customers, and be sure to ask about things such as how quickly the job was finished, whether it was completed within the budget, and how well their work has held up over time. 6. Be Specific Ask the contractor any job-specific questions you might have. This is where it pays off to do your research—you’ll be able to learn about what options you might have and whether the contractor is equipped to deal with them. Does the job need to be completed quickly? Are there multiple ways to repair your system? What type of equipment do they plan to use? 7. Ask About Brands If you’re looking for new or replacement air conditioners, be sure to ask the technician what brands or manufacturers they carry. If you have your heart set on a specific make or model, then be sure that the company you choose carries that model. If all you’re looking for is a few repairs, make sure they have parts that are compatible with your current brand. 8. Go Green If conservation is important to you, be sure to ask the company about their environmental friendliness. Find out what they do to promote energy and water conservation, and whether they carry Energy Star qualified products. A good air conditioning technician should be able to provide you information about the efficiency of the system and its environmental impacts. 9. Calculate the Cost Get a written, itemized estimate from each potential contractor, and make sure that it includes factors such as the labor and materials cost, potential energy saving, warranties, and tax rebates (available for many energy-efficient options). Keep in mind the difference between the upfront costs and long-term costs. If your energy costs are going to increase after installation, then picking the cheapest technician might not make financial sense in the long run. If the company you’re considering offers any special deals, take those into account too. 10. Find Out About Financing On a related note, find out about the payment schedule. Particularly big jobs might require a deposit and incremental payments, which can complicate matters financially. Be sure that you read all the fine print and find out exactly what costs you will be responsible for; also double-check that you can afford to add the regular payments to your budget. 11. Work Together You should expect an evaluation of your home from any contractor. The technician should spend significant time inspecting your system and house, so that they can determine what your air conditioning needs are. Insulation, square footage, and home layout are all important considerations, as well as whether you have any potential leaks in your duct system. If a technician is not willing to work closely with you and evaluate the situation before the project begins, then that’s a red flag. 12. Get It In Writing Finally, after you choose a technician, make sure that you get a written proposal before you make a final commitment. This contract will help protect you by specifying the job costs, project schedule, specific models, and, in some cases, warranty information. Make sure that all terms, conditions, and oral promises are included. Do not pay in advance, sign an agreement that is incomplete, or sign a contract you haven’t read or don’t fully understand. Be sure to keep a copy of all written documents. Finding the right person to repair your air conditioning unit can seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Use these handy tips to find a good technician and protect your investment in your home.
Gerry Finney says August 6, 2015 at 11:14 pm I truly agree with all of these tips, especially the third tips. Experienced technicians are more reliable of their works than the experience. Reply
Jeff says March 10, 2016 at 8:55 pm I appreciate your tip on being specific when talking with an AC repairman. It seems important to do your research so you can explain your needs more exactly with the professional who you choose. My wife and I need our AC unit looked at, maybe we should do some research first as to get more specific information to communicate to the repairman. Reply
Nash Rich says May 3, 2016 at 4:38 pm I think shopping around and doing your research is the best way to go. Getting someone who’s experienced and honest is what everyone wants, but not everyone fits the qualifications. I thought it was a good tip to see if they’re licensed. I wouldn’t want someone who wasn’t legit. Reply
Tyler James says July 29, 2016 at 3:02 pm Great tips on finding the right A/C technician. I think someone who is honest is the biggest thing I look for. I don’t want someone just telling me something to make more money off of me if it’s not needed. I need the WHY to everything a technician may say I need. Do the research and get the job done right the first time. Reply
Skylar Williams says August 15, 2016 at 6:28 pm I’m glad you pointed out ‘going green’ in your 8th point. I’ve been trying to find different ways to conserve energy. I feel like if my AC and furnace are up to date I could save a lot of energy. I’ve already replaced my light bulbs, so I feel like I’m moving in the right direction. Reply
Olivia Nelson says September 21, 2016 at 7:16 pm I like your tip on finding out about financing before your hire an AC repairman. I would imagine that discussing payment and finances first would be important when you got to hire a contractor. My air conditioning has stopped working recently so we’ll have to figure out financing first. Reply
Ben Proctor says October 27, 2016 at 4:59 pm Looking for good HVAC contractors is one of the hardest tasks when moving to a new area. I found that your tip on looking up references and looking for experience almost go hand and hand. As I look for a new company or contractor to come into my home what helps me the most is looking at who refers them and why they do. When I get references from people that I trust I will begin to trust the contractor more as well. Reply
Sanchez says October 27, 2016 at 4:59 pm I loved what you said about finding a company that values the environment. It is very important to me that a company use products that use less energy. I’m looking for a new unit and of course I would want it to be efficient. Reply
Finn Stewart says November 17, 2016 at 11:09 am I really like how you suggest to be specific when looking for an HVAC contractor and ask any job-specific questions you might have. When I hire a contractor, I usually ask a lot of questions anyways, so it’s probably good to do some research beforehand so you understand their answers. Reply
Shad Morris says November 28, 2016 at 10:18 am My friend was telling me that his AC stopped working, and he wasn’t sure how to choose a repair service. I really like that you say to ask all of the specific questions. It would be nice to get all of the information that you can out of the service to be able understand. Reply
Ridley Fitzgerald says December 1, 2016 at 3:31 pm Thanks for the tips for hiring an AC contractor. Always look up references that they give you. Reply
Fitzgerald says December 13, 2016 at 3:54 pm It’s important to hire the right air conditioning technician. I definitely agree that it’s important to do some research before deciding on who to hire. I need to look at my unit to learn a little more about it. Reply
Scott says December 14, 2016 at 1:14 pm I like that you point out that it is important to ask about financing. I can see why this would be important if it is a bigger project. My mom has been having issues with her water heater. I’ll have to talk to her about these tips when I see her next. Reply
Burt Silver says December 28, 2016 at 12:51 pm My wife and I have been hoping to update our heating and air conditioning for a while now. We want to have a more efficient system, to help our house be more pleasant and also to save us money. I like that you mentioned to ask about a company’s environmental friendliness. Being environmentally conscious is important to us, so we will have to be sure to ask that. Reply
Frank Delaware says February 1, 2017 at 8:35 am Thank you for all these helpful tips to finding an AC technician! One that really stood out to me is that you say to talk with the company and as them how long they have been in business. It would be nice to see that they have helped quite a few people, and if they have done anything similar to your own. Reply
Scott says February 23, 2017 at 10:21 am My wife and I have been talking about replacing the air conditioning unit in our house in order to save on our energy bill. We think because the one we have right now is a little older, it is taking up more energy than it should. I appreciate your tip to look up references when looking for an expert. I’ll have to ask my neighbors and friends about who they would recommend we hire. Reply
John Mahoney says March 1, 2017 at 5:08 pm Thank you for talking about the importance of being specific when getting AC repairs. It makes sense that remembering this can help you make sure you get the services you need and your unit can go back to working properly. I can see how remembering to find someone you trust can help you rest assured you get the most out of your money. Reply
Rachel Lannister says March 14, 2017 at 1:38 pm You advised being very specific about your needs when talking with the HVAC contractor, to ensure that they are equipped to help you with your needs. Considering how complex HVAC systems can be, it makes sense that you would want to ensure that the contractor is ready and trained to help you with the specific issue you have. I’ll be sure to remember this if I ever need these kind of repairs or maintenance. Reply
Bernard Clyde says March 30, 2017 at 11:01 am I agree with point 11 of your article that you should find a heating contractor who can work closely with you. It’s important that you feel informed through the process so you have a better idea of what services you are investing. Plus, it helps to understand what is going one with you heating installation or repairs so you can know what to do when you need future repairs or maintenance. Reply
Olivia Nelson says March 31, 2017 at 4:45 pm I agree that you need to look up references when you are choosing an AC repairman. It would be important to talk with past customers and get a feel for how the contractor works before you do so. I’m looking for an AC repairman to look at my air conditioning so I’ll have to find someone who is liked by past customers. Reply
DELEON NORMAN says April 4, 2017 at 5:49 am The tips which you have given is really worth it because when my Technician come to my place for reparing the AC. I noticed that he was doing his work very properly and doing step by step and from this blog i got the idea about the techniques of the technician. Thank You! Reply
Precious Leyva says April 20, 2017 at 3:35 pm I didn’t ever think to check if a company has insurance. This is great to know as technicians can find themselves in dangerous situations. The potential of having an accident on your property is a scary thought. I’ll definitely start paying attention to proof of insurance. Reply
Jade Brunet says April 24, 2017 at 4:47 pm I am glad to know that the best way to find out about service quality is by contacting past customers when hiring an HVAC contractor. It is good to be aware that asking for a list of past clients is totally appropriate. Another thing to do would be to interview possible candidates before hiring to ensure you find the right fit for the job. Reply
John Mahoney says May 10, 2017 at 11:24 am I appreciate you talking about the importance of choosing an AC technician that has experience with systems like yours. My parents bought a cooling unit a few months ago and I think it’s time to have it inspected. Personally, I would want to find someone that can educate me about my unit and who can provide the best tips on how to keep it working properly and cooling my house. Reply
Jade Brunet says May 10, 2017 at 12:52 pm Looking up references would be a good way to determine an HVAC contractor’s work. I like what was said about asking to speak with past customers whose names start with specific letters. Looking online at reviews would be another way to better get to know the contractor. Reply
Max Jones says June 1, 2017 at 9:54 am I’m glad you talked about being specific when you ask questions to a professional air conditioning installation contractor. We’re looking to have someone come out and do our air conditioning installation this summer, and finding a professional would be really helpful. I’m going to have to call and ask the questions I have to a few contractors, and whoever I feel answers them best is who I’ll have come out to professionally install our air conditioning! Reply
Afton Jackson says July 21, 2017 at 11:57 am I didn’t realize that asking an air conditioning contractor about what brands he/she works with can help you know if they can install a specific make or model you want. My sister wants to have a home built for her family. These tips should help her find a service that can install that efficient unit she has always wanted. Reply
Thomas Pindall says July 24, 2017 at 11:34 am I have a friend who has been dealing with some air conditioner problems and has been considering on hiring a professional to do repairs or replacements. It really helped when you said that it’s important to choose a contractor who has been in the business for a long time, and has the proper experience to work on the HVAC. Hopefully this information will help my friend find a contractor that can help him with his air conditioner problem, and get it to working condition again. Reply
Brynne Jones says July 25, 2017 at 10:36 pm It would make sense to check with past clients before hiring a company. Using those customer references could help you to find a reliable company. My neighbor has been having issues with his air conditioner this summer. I should tell him to research several companies so he can receive the best service possible. Reply
Silas Knight says August 15, 2017 at 11:32 am Our AC system needs a check up, so thanks for these tips. We just moved into this home, and we’ve noticed the air conditioning is a little tricky; sometimes it works great, other times it doesn’t. We’ll be sure to find a company that employs full time, experience contractors to come and look at it. Reply
Ashley Turns says August 29, 2017 at 5:49 pm Thank you for the suggestion that I ask for a list of past clients from the AC maintenance service I’m considering, so I can ask for real opinions of the company. My husband and I are going to get a service to come look at our air conditioner since it hasn’t been working properly the last few days. I’ll be sure to find an AC maintenance company that has customers that give them a great referral. Reply
Annika Larson says August 29, 2017 at 6:52 pm Our AC unit is making weird noises. We are looking to hire an HVAC contractor to help. Like you said, we will want to ask the company for references and could perhaps ask for customers whose names begin with a certain letter to get a random sample. Reply
Max Jones says August 31, 2017 at 9:34 am My parents have been having a poor performance from their air conditioning for a while now, and I think that being able to get them set up with a good tech to get things fixed would be good! I’m glad you talked about looking for references from different air conditioning services or technicians, and I think that is a great way to find a good serviceman. I’m going to have to do some research about local air conditioning technicians and hopefully find us a good one! Reply
Ashley Turns says August 31, 2017 at 10:03 pm Thank you for suggesting that we learn about what kind of financing your potential heating contractor will expect. My husband and I want to find a service that will be able to help us fix our AC. We’ll be sure to ask our potential residential heating service if they want us to pay them a deposit and then following payments after that or just all at once. Reply
Ernest London says October 2, 2017 at 12:29 pm I like that you mentioned to make sure you ask an AC company about the brands they are familiar with. It makes sense you would want to choose somebody who knows how to fix your brand of AC and has parts on hand. I am trying to find somebody to come and take a look at my HVAC system, because I think it needs some repair work. I will definitely keep these things in mind as I search, thanks. Reply
Michael Robinson says October 17, 2017 at 1:45 pm I appreciate what you had to say here at the beginning about learning all that you can about the company you are going to hire before you do, especially when it comes to HVAC services. Just as you mentioned here, it is important to look up their history and to know what part of your air conditioner needs repair. I have failed to check up on mine for the longest time and reading this makes me nervous! Thanks for the reminders before the winter season! Reply
Jordan says November 13, 2017 at 11:34 am I’ve been wanting to find some commercial air conditioning options to take to my boss at work, but getting some ideas would be good. I’m glad you mentioned looking carefully and being able to find a repair company by asking around. Reply