Hiring a Contractor to Work On Your A/C Unit - Important Considerations

No one wants to be without air conditioning when the weather gets hot. Fans, cold drinks, and keeping a cross breeze going only does so much. You might make it through the day by employing these methods, but when your head hits the pillow, you want the comfort of a working air conditioner. To repair or replace your A/C unit, you'll need a good contractor. But air conditioning expenses can roll out of control if you don't spend some time thinking about who you're going to hire. Here are some things to consider.

Customer Reviews

Don't just accept a company's word for it. Of course they will tell you they are the best in the business. But you can do better. The internet is a great resource for anyone looking for customer reviews. You can find people taking to their keyboards to review car lots, dentists, and, yes, your local contractor. And why not? No one should be above answering to the customer. Read through some reviews before you decide who you want to hire. If a particular company has nothing but sparkling reviews, they will probably be a much better choice than one that has done nothing but anger the community.

Contract Specifics

Whether you're hiring a contractor to come out and inspect your A/C unit, do repairs, or replace your entire system, it pays to have a specific and detailed contract. Countless customer disputes could have been easily settled if the wording in the contract had been a bit more specific. Many homeowners don't realize that a contract is a starting point for negotiation. Don't sign anything you aren't happy with. Request, nay, demand changes if you aren't comfortable with the wording. If a contractor isn't willing to be flexible with their contract, you can just as easily find someone else.

Credentials

Becoming a contractor isn't something you can do overnight. You need licenses, training, and a healthy knowledge of the field. But that doesn't necessarily mean the people you're thinking of hiring have those things. It's up to you to make sure that they do. Check credentials. Make sure licenses and paperwork are in order. Ask them if they have the proper insurance. If necessary, check with your local government to see if the company has all of their business in order.

The first time you turn on your repaired or replaced air conditioner and enjoy that blessed feeling of cool air can be a wonderful moment. Make sure it's one you can experience by hiring a company that can come through.